Gov Makinde Urged to Install New King as Protests Erupt in Iresa-Adu

Iresa-Adu community in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State witnessed tension on the eve of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration following a protest by youths and stakeholders over the vacant Aresa-Adu stool, which has remained unfilled for nearly ten years.

A scheduled stakeholders’ security meeting convened to address concerns over reported encroachments into Iresa settlements and recent kidnapping incidents in neighbouring Oriire LGA was disrupted when residents began demanding the installation of a new traditional ruler.

Protesters displayed placards calling for the urgent intervention of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

It took the combined efforts of community leaders, elders, religious leaders, and security agencies present at the meeting to calm the situation.

The protesters were later allowed to join the security deliberations to prevent further escalation.

Media observers at the meeting noted several signs of weakened traditional leadership structures.

Baales, heads of royal families, high chiefs, and other stakeholders expressed varying opinions and grievances, highlighting the difficulty of coordinating security efforts without an installed Aresa-Adu to serve as the central authority.

The youths, holding various placards, expressed frustration over living without a king for almost a decade. One protester said the security gathering was “another in a long list of meetings held over the past eight years without significant progress.”

Another resident lamented the community’s developmental challenges, stating that Iresa-Adu lacks key amenities such as a higher institution, a bank, a market, and a palace.

He added that residents often travel to other towns for basic services and that the deteriorating town hall has become the default venue for receiving visitors.

On questions regarding Prince Oyerinde Adeyeye, who has claimed the Aresa-Adu title in recent years, a protester responded that the community does not recognise his claim. According to the protesters, the rotational arrangement between the Emiolu and Oshunbiyi ruling houses indicates that it is the turn of the Emiolu family to produce the next king.

They alleged that the community rejected Adeyeye’s claim in 2019 and that the recognized kingmakers have not endorsed him.

Another protester alleged that disputes within the ruling houses have deepened over the years, insisting that the division has hindered the community’s development.

They emphasized that only decisive action from Governor Makinde can resolve the prolonged leadership vacuum.

“We strongly believe the governor can help restore order to the succession process and ensure a capable traditional leader emerges,” one of the protesters said.

OYO NEWS