The Osun State Government has clarified the reasons behind its decision to suspend the elevation of two traditional rulers, accusing opposition elements of attempting to politicise the issue for their own advantage.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, said the action was taken after the state government received formal complaints from other traditional rulers, including the Owa of Otan Ayegbaju and the Oluresi of Iresi.
According to the commissioner, the protesting monarchs raised concerns that the request for the elevation did not follow the established procedure, particularly that it was not routed through the appropriate Traditional Council and the Chieftaincy Committee as required by law.
The statement further alleged that the recommendation for the elevation was made by the Akifin of Ikinfin, who was said not to be the recognised Prescribed Authority responsible for overseeing the chieftaincies in question.
Babatunde noted that the state government subsequently reviewed the matter and confirmed the validity of the complaints, leading to the suspension of the elevation in order to address what it described as procedural irregularities.
The commissioner also criticised individuals spreading what he called false claims about the government’s role in the matter. He alleged that some groups had exchanged money over the issue and were collaborating with opposition figures to exploit the situation for political purposes.
Why we suspended elevation of two traditional rulers – Osun Govt
