The Aresaadu of Iresaadu in the Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Adeyeye Oyerinde, on Sunday, lamented the non-payment of salary and other benefits accorded his office, five years after his appointment.
He also alleged that moves were ongoing to produce another candidate to sit on the throne he currently occupies, a plot he said would cause upheaval in the town.
Oba Oyerinde, who addressed journalists through his counsel, Adekunle Raji, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre, Iyaganku, in Ibadan, therefore, appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene.
He said his appointment was approved by the state government on May 24, 2019, after compliance with due process in the selection process.
The monarch said, “The recent events in Iresaadu in this state have highlighted a disturbing issue that threatens the very fabric of justice and peace in the state.
“Despite the governor’s untiring efforts to uphold the rule of law and fairness in governance, matters of the traditional institution inclusive, it has become evident that certain individuals are working to subvert the noble efforts of the governor.
“HRM Oba Oyerinde’s appointment was approved by the government on May 24, 2019, as the Aresaadu of Iresaadu, after compliance with due process in the selection process.
“However, it has come to light that a senior official’s surreptitious roles have unduly interfered with the necessary recognition being accorded the oba and payment of his entitlements.
“Initially, it was thought that the crisis brewed because of the transition of government from one party to another, but the governor has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that partisanship doesn’t influence his decisions on matters of public interest.”
Oba Oyerinde described the non-payment of his salary and other benefits accorded his office as an infringement on his constitutional and human rights.
He said, “We have it on good authority that underground moves are being initiated to set in motion, a process for the Emiolu Ruling House to produce a candidate to occupy the throne of the Aresaadu of Iresaadu.
“The consequence of such action, if allowed to materialise, will only give rise to chaos and upheavals in the community,” he said.
The monarch advised Makinde to read the court rulings, and also seek opinions from legal counsel from the Ministry of Justice on the matter and ensure that he was rightfully recognised and duly compensated.