Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has threatened to banish the two monarchs in Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area over incessant communal clashes.
The Nation reported that Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh have been at loggerheads over control of the town.
Their quarrel which has led to the destruction of lives and properties in the area, recently made the Ondo state government impose a 24-hour curfew on the town.
Addressing journalists after a State Executive Council meeting, Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju said Governor Akeredolu has decided to banish the two monarchs if another clash occurs.
Olateju said the State Government has relaxed the 24- hour curfew imposed on Ikare- Akoko, from 6pm to 6am.
The commissioner who added that the two Obas have been warned to comport themselves in line with the State Government decisions, also announced that a five-member committee has also been set up to look into the crisis in Ikare and recommend resolution on the Okoja issue as well as the Oloko intercession.
She said;
“This press briefing is about the crisis in Ikare Akoko. The crisis in Ikare has resulted in stringent measures being taken by government. But in like manner, the curfew has been relaxed a little bit and it will be in effect from 6am to 6pm.
“The Council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale. The Council also decided to look into the history of Okoja that is the bone of contention between the two Obas.
“The Oloko intercession issue will also be looked into. From now on, the Council has resolved that no one should parade himself as the Olokoja of Okoja, either the one installed by Owo Ale and Olukare. All minor chiefs installed by the Olokojas should stop parading themselves as chiefs henceforth. Whoever does so will be arrested and will face consequences.”
