Families in Erinje Unite to Protest Controversial Chieftaincy Declaration by Oba Orungberuwa

A coalition of families in Ode Erinje, located in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, has voiced their opposition to what they describe as a covert chieftaincy declaration submitted to the Ondo State Government by Oba Oladele Akinmoye, the Orungberuwa of Ode Erinje.

Through their legal representatives, Tayo Ogungbemi, Juwon Semudara, and Tony Oyibo, the families—comprising ILADO, LIJIRIN, ALARA, GBOGUNRO, and OLEKOYU—have submitted individual petitions to the authorities, claiming that the Oba failed to consult any of them, who are recognized stakeholders, before drafting and submitting the chieftaincy declaration for the Ode Erinje community.

According to Starnews NG, the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy issued a circular on November 20, 2024, through Permanent Secretary Mr. Oluyemi Ilori, inviting local government heads to inform traditional rulers about the opportunity to submit memoranda for various chieftaincy declarations by November 25, 2024.

In light of this, the families have accused the Orungberuwa of secretly preparing the chieftaincy declaration for Ode Erinje and submitting it to the state authorities without the knowledge of the council of chiefs, kingmakers, ruling houses, and community elites.

Additionally, they have raised concerns that the Oba’s proposal to install his daughter as Regent after his passing contradicts the customs and traditions of the Ode Erinje community, which has historically not permitted such an arrangement.

The families further allege in their petitions that the Oba’s proposed declaration includes the appointment of new kingmakers, effectively replacing some of the existing ones.

Starnews NG reports that this situation has sparked significant unrest and concern within the community.

To prevent potential conflicts and maintain public order, the families have called upon the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy in Ondo State to reject the alleged faulty chieftaincy declaration and to suspend any related processes regarding Ode Erinje. They cite a court injunction from case number HOK/34/2016 that prohibits the state government from taking any action until the case is resolved.

Attempts by Starnews NG to reach the Royal Father for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was reportedly unreachable according to the service provider.