Ekiti recognises Olukere of Ikere, grants autonomy

Ekiti recognises Olukere of Ikere, grants autonomy

By Bolaji Olakunle

The Ekiti State Government has granted autonomy to Odo Oja Community in Ikere Ekiti. The sprawling city has two traditional rulers that have fought supremacy for hundreds of years.

On Friday, the Ekiti State Government took a bold step to douse agelong rivalry by granting self determination to a major party in the contest.

The Government decided to recognise its traditional head, the Olukere, as an Oba.

The decision of the State Government was consequent upon the implementation of the White Paper of the Chieftaincy Review Commission led by Justice Babajide Aladejana which found merit in the application of the Odo Oja Community of Ikere Ekiti as an autonomous town.

According to a statement on Friday made available to Irohinoodua and signed by the Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adegboyega Morakinyo, the Odo Oja Community of Ikere Ekiti submitted a memorandum to the Commission which recommended it as an independent town and Olukere as its Oba.

“The Odo Oja Community of Ikere Ekiti submitted a memorandum to the Commission including an application for recognition as an autonomous town and its traditional head as an Oba.

“The Commission found merit in the application and further affirmed the eligibility of the Odo Oja Community to be recognized as an autonomous town and its traditional head as Oba.

“In furtherance of the ongoing review of the implementation of the White Paper on the report of the Commission, Government has revisited the recommendation on the application of the Odo Oja Community of Ikere Ekiti.

“Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission. The Odo Oja Community of Ikere Ekiti is accordingly granted autonomous status and its traditional head-Olukere is hereby recognised as an Oba.”