Six kingmakers in Ikirun town, Ikirun, have thrown their weight behind Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive to the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to prevent any breakdown of law and order over the ongoing dispute surrounding the Akinrun stool.
The chiefs made their position known in a statement jointly signed by Chief Diekola Toogun (Odofin), Chief Oluwole Atoyebi (Ojomu), Chief Bamidele Onifade (Elemon), Chief Raheem Okunlola (Jagun), Chief Sulaiman Olaore (Oluawo Onifa), and Chief Azeez Muritala (Obaale), obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.
In the statement, the kingmakers accused the Eesa of Ikirunland, Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, of actions they alleged could destabilise the peace currently enjoyed in the community.
According to them, Adetoyese had been misleading residents by claiming authority to appoint a monarch for the town, contrary to the official position of the state government.
“It is on record that Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, Eesa of Ikirunland, has been engaging in nocturnal moves to violently disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the town,” the statement read.
The chiefs further stated that such claims were “contrary to the tenor of the government’s gazetted position” regarding the appointment of a monarch for Ikirun.
They described the state government’s directive issued on May 14, 2026, warning residents against violence, as a timely intervention aimed at preserving peace in the town.
The kingmakers also reaffirmed their support for the state government’s White Paper released on January 25, 2024, concerning the Akinrun stool.
“We abide by the position of the government as contained in the White Paper and appreciate the peace being promoted by all affected persons, except some unscrupulous elements,” the statement added.
They also commended the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for what they described as swift efforts to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the community.
Reacting to the allegations, Adetoyese denied any involvement in activities capable of disrupting the peace of Ikirunland.
“I never made any nocturnal move to truncate the peace of Ikirunland. I am the head of the kingmakers and my duty is to ensure peace at every point in time,” he said.
He added that previous allegations made against him at the police station were unfounded.
“These people are only jittery about the present situation. I am not fighting anybody,” Adetoyese stated.
Governor Adeleke had earlier warned against reported threats to peace and security in Ikirun and directed the police to address alleged harassment and intimidation of community leaders in the town.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed concern over reports of intimidation involving kingmakers and other prominent figures in Ikirun, warning that such actions could threaten the relative peace in the area.
