Akure traditional rulers give Ondo govt 14-day ultimatum over recognition, arrears
…affirm appointment by Deji of Akure, ask Aiyedatiwa to obey court order …demand payment of all outstanding salaries, allowances due to the duly appointed Olus Traditional rulers installed under the
...affirm appointment by Deji of Akure, ask Aiyedatiwa to obey court order
...demand payment of all outstanding salaries, allowances due to the duly appointed Olus
- From Tosin Tope, Akure
Traditional rulers installed under the authority of Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Ondo State Government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, demanding formal recognition and immediate payment of their outstanding entitlements.
The monarchs, operating under the Association of Olus-in-Council in Akure North Local Government Area, expressed frustration over prolonged neglect, particularly regarding official recognition, welfare packages, and statutory benefits.
Speaking in Akure on Sunday, the Chairman of the Olus-in-Council and Olu of Bolorunduro (Ofosu), HRM Johnson Ojo, flanked by other aggrieved Olus, lamented that despite their lawful installation by the Deji of Akure in line with local customs, they remain sidelined by government authorities.
Oba Ojo, represented by the Olu of Ilado-Elemo, HRM Oba Mekaisi Folahan, stressed that their legitimacy has been upheld through multiple court rulings, including decisions of the High Court and Court of Appeal, affirming the Deji of Akure as the prescribed authority for appointing minor chiefs in Akure North and South LGAs.
He highlighted that the courts, most recently in February and May 2025 judgments, clearly settled the dispute, confirming that appointments made under Deji’s authority are valid and binding.
Despite these rulings, Oba Ojo accused the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Akure North LGA authorities of continuing to recognize and remunerate individuals whose claims the courts dismissed, while denying duly installed traditional rulers their entitlements.
He also referenced a 2022 advisory from the State Ministry of Justice supporting Deji’s authority, which remains ignored even after appellate court decisions.
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"Despite these clear and binding judicial pronouncements, it is deeply concerning that authorities within Akure North Local Government and the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs continue to recognize and remunerate individuals purportedly appointed by parties whose claims have been dismissed by the courts.
"Equally troubling is the continued refusal to recognize the duly appointed Olus installed by the Deji of Akure Kingdom, as well as the failure to pay their rightful salaries and entitlements.
"It is important to recall that as far back as February 14, 2022, the Ondo State Ministry of Justice, in an advisory to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, clearly stated that the prescribed authority of the Deji of Akure Kingdom should be upheld pending any contrary decision by a higher court. Today, even after the Court of Appeal has affirmed the High Court judgments, this lawful position is yet to be implemented," he said.
The monarch warned that the continued refusal to implement court judgments undermines the rule of law, fuels tension, and creates administrative confusion in the affected communities.
The traditional rulers called on the government to immediately recognise all minor chiefs duly appointed by the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo, as legitimate Olus of their respective communities, cease recognition and payment of salaries to individuals whose appointments have been invalidated by the courts, and pay all outstanding salaries, allowances, and entitlements owed to them.
The group also demanded full compliance with the judgments of the High Court and the Court of Appeal affirming the Deji of Akure Kingdom as the prescribed authority in chieftaincy matters within Akure North and Akure South LGAs.
"Cease forthwith the recognition and payment of salaries to individuals appointed by parties who have been adjudged by the courts to lack the authority to do so.
"Pay all outstanding salaries, allowances, and entitlements due to the duly appointed Olus from the dates of their respective appointments.
"Fully comply with the judgments of the High Court and the Court of Appeal affirming the Deji of Akure Kingdom as the prescribed authority in chieftaincy matters within Akure North and Akure South Local Government Areas.
"We believe that the Ondo State Government, as a law-abiding institution, will not continue to act in a manner inconsistent with the binding decisions of courts of competent jurisdiction," the monarchs said.
They, however, added that failure to comply within 14 days of their March 23, 2026, letter would compel them to pursue all lawful means to enforce their rights.
"This is not merely a dispute over chieftaincy titles - it is a test of our collective commitment to the rule of law, justice, and orderly governance. Respect for judicial authority remains the cornerstone of a peaceful and democratic society," the traditional rulers added.
