The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has disclosed that he is battling with over 100 court cases filed against him since he ascended the throne.
He said most of the litigations related to disputes over the paramouncy of his throne across Akure-speaking communities.
The monarch stated on Friday during an interactive session with journalists at his palace in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as part of activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary.
Oba Aladelusi lamented that his greatest challenge on the throne had been incessant litigations challenging his authority as the prescribed ruler of Akure-speaking communities.
He noted that all Akure-speaking communities, regardless of local government boundaries, fall under the Deji’s traditional jurisdiction.
“For the past 10 years, we have faced several challenges. As of now, we have more than 100 cases in court. There are people from various places challenging the Deji’s status as the prescribed authority.
“I believe any community that speaks the Akure dialect is Akure. Whether Akure North, South, or Ifedore — they are all Akure. And who is the prescribed authority? It is the Deji. That has been the case from time immemorial. I’m not imposing myself on anyone,” he said.
The monarch said he had visited several communities after ascending the throne a decade ago, urging their traditional rulers to embrace peace and unity.
“When I became Deji, I told other Akure rulers we must not rival the Deji’s stool. It would be like me challenging the Ooni or the Alaafin. That would be laughable.
“We were Deji even before governors came into being. The colonial masters only disrupted our authority. Communities like Iju, Ogbolu, and Ijare were founded by the sons of Deji. No one from Akure North or South can compete with the Deji,” he added.
Oba Aladelusi also expressed a strong desire for an Akure indigene to become the next governor of Ondo State, noting that disunity among Akure-speaking communities had continued to sabotage such ambition.
“Everybody wants his son to be governor. There is no unity. If we had been united, we would have produced a governor long ago. But the next governor of Ondo State will be from Akure — and I mean Akure North, South, or Ifedore. We are one,” he said.(Punch)
