Igbomina Group Slams Ila Chiefs, Osun Information Commissioner Over Remarks on Orangun, Senator Fadeyi

– Orangun didn’t send emissary to Adeleke through leaders of ADC, Obaaro and Obalotin

The Igbomina Touch Bearers, a socio-cultural organisation representing the interests of Igbomina people in Osun and Kwara states, has strongly criticised a recent statement issued by the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, describing it as “false and misleading” and capable of creating unnecessary tension in Ila-Orangun.

The group also faulted the conduct of a delegation of Ila-Orangun chiefs who recently visited Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing them of acting in their personal and political interests rather than on behalf of the traditional institution of the Orangun of Ila.

In a statement signed on Sunday by its Secretary, Olamide Ajiboye, the group cautioned government officials against making comments or taking actions capable of diminishing the revered status of the Orangun stool.

According to Ajiboye, the chiefs who met with the governor were not representatives of the Orangun-in-Council but individuals pursuing personal political agendas.

He alleged that members of the delegation are openly affiliated with political parties and therefore lacked the moral authority to speak on behalf of the people of Ila-Orangun.

According to the statement, one of the chiefs, the Obaaro of Ila, is a known supporter of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and a card-carrying member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The group further maintained that the remaining chiefs who accompanied him attended the meeting in their individual capacities and should not be portrayed as speaking for the traditional institution or the wider Ila-Orangun community.

The organisation recalled that the same group of chiefs had previously criticised the political defection of Senator Olabiyi Fadeyi, an action it said attracted condemnation from the larger council of chiefs.

According to the group, the chiefs were reprimanded at the time for acting beyond the limits of their authority and making statements without the approval of the appropriate traditional council.

The Igbomina Touch Bearers expressed disappointment that the chiefs had once again launched what it described as another unwarranted attack on Senator Fadeyi.

The group questioned the motive behind the repeated criticisms, wondering whether “defaming an Igbomina son is all that can fetch them money from the Governor.”

Ajiboye stated that contrary to the impression allegedly created by the chiefs, many sons and daughters of Igbomina land remain supportive of Senator Fadeyi and appreciate what they described as his developmental efforts and ability to attract Federal Government projects to Osun State.

The group said the senator continues to enjoy the goodwill of many people across Igbomina communities because of his representation and contributions to development.

It also took a swipe at the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, urging him to exercise greater restraint in issuing official statements.

According to the organisation, the commissioner’s public comments on the matter have been hasty and have repeatedly exposed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to avoidable controversies.

The group therefore advised the commissioner to refrain from issuing what it described as “premature press statements” that “ceaselessly causes his boss embarrassment.”

The Igbomina Touch Bearers reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the Orangun traditional institution and promoting unity among Igbomina people, while urging political actors and government officials to avoid actions capable of politicising revered traditional institutions or causing division within the community.