‘I performed all necessary traditional rites as King’ – Newly Appointed Aree, Oba Oyelakin

…denies alleged crisis during the process

The newly appointed Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin has said all necessary rites as tradition demands were performed for him as the new monarch of the town.

He also dispelled the rumours in some quarters, that there was commotion during the ceremony which took place on Friday, saying they were all concocted lies.

Oba Oyelakin stated these in Iree while addressing newsmen on the reported commotion and sporadic shooting allegations which went viral on social media on Friday.

The monarch’s installation followed the removal of Oba Raphael Oluponnle by the State Government through a white paper issued.

The State government on Wednesday had approved the selection of Muritala Oyelakin as the new Aree of Iree.

This was after the government had told Oba Raphael Oluponnle to vacate the stool with the claim that the process that produced him was not thorough.

On his arrival to the community on Thursday, Oba Oyelakin said, he with his entourage was welcomed by the people of Iree before the traditional rites were performed for him by the chiefs known as Iwaramefa, including the Odofin.

He said “My people were so happy to receive me and my entourage during our historic arrival to Iree on Thursday. If you were here, you will realise that it was a carnival-like. There are strategic places to be visited and to pray, I went round all those places to perform the rites as tradition demands.”

Crisis was said to have erupted when monarch visited Odofin’s compound where he underwent seclusion as tradition demands.

“Everything that was witnessed was enthusiasm. People were enthusiastic and joyous because it was a moment of joy to them. No commotion, no crisis. The Odofin of Iree was right there with me at Odofin’s compound during the traditional rites”, Oba Oyelakin said.

Oba Muritala Oyelakin debunked the allegations that that Odofin’s compound door where the seclusion took place was forcefully opened.

The monarch however appealed to the sons and daughters, including residents of Iree community, irrespective of their tribe, religion or political affiliations to support him to bring progress and development to the town.