Babatope Okeowo 
The Ondo State government has denied the imposition of the traditional ruler on the Erekiti-Luwoye community in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.
Also, the government denied the allegation that top government officials received a bribe from Mathew Kerewa before he was installed as the traditional ruler of the Erekiti-Luwoye community.
Sampson Akinniran and Chief Babatunde Faniyi of the Luwoye Ruling House of Erekiti-Luwoye had accused the state Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami and Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government, Hon. Amidu Takuro of receiving a bribe to impose a stranger as the traditional ruler of the community.
However, a statement by the
Head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Abooluwa Famakinwa, described the allegations against the top government officials as frivolous and malicious.
Famakinwa said the government would not succumb to any cheap blackmail and any attempt to malign the images and good names of the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs because of Chieftaincy matters.
Her words, “The report of the Justice CET Ajama Commission of Inquiry, which sat under the Mimiko administration and its report ratified and adopted by the Akeredolu-led administration, stated that there was a disputed Chieftaincy Declaration of Okitipupa Osooro Kingdom – Erekiti Community.
“There was a court judgment that there are three Ruling Houses that have the right to the Erekiti stool. Namely, Logbenla, Egharegbemi, and Luwoye ruling houses. They are to ascend the throne on a rotational basis.
“Luwoye Ruling House is the third in the order of rotation. Another relief sought that the Luwoye family should be the only ruling house. Ajama Commission recommended that there is an appeal in court and that the verdict should be awaited.
“In the same vein, the government approved the recommendation of the Ajama Commission on the recognition and upgrade of the Erekiti – Luwoye stool to Obaship Status.
The Local Government sent the name of Christopher Kowe from the Luwoye Ruling house after the recognition. He was presented Instrument of Appointment and Staff of office but died a year later.
“The installation of Oba Christopher Kowe was initially contested in court but was later withdrawn. After his demise, the name of his son, Prince Solomon Kowe, was presented to the government for appointment as Regent, but the other two Ruling House frowned at this as it did not comply with the 2015 Court judgment.”
“In its usual way of resolving conflicts amongst communities in the State, the government called all stakeholders to peace meetings to find out the nitty-gritty of the issue.
“Three meetings had been held so far, and all parties were asked to come with relevant documents to substantiate their claims.”
“Those upholding the claim for three Ruling houses have come forth with documents to substantiate their claim but the Luwoye Ruling house, instead of coming up with documents to substantiate their claim has resulted in cheap blackmail and maligning the images, reputation, and names of the Deputy Governor, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“Government takes exception to this insensitivity and abuse of opportunity by the Luwoye Ruling House and demands that they right the wrong done by this publication.
“This is also an abuse of the good intent and political will of the government to assist communities fill their vacant stools.
“This is because the government realizes the great role the traditional institution plays in complementing the government’s effort and in the mobilization of the people for positive development.”
“We make bold to state unequivocally and without sounding immodest that Dr . Olayide Adelami and the Commissioner are perfect gentlemen with clean track records, proven integrity, and good reputation that traditional authorities in the State can testify to.
“It is on record that they neither receive thank-you gifts nor were ever involved in any bribery allegations.”
