Chieftancy title conferred on Senator Rochas Okorocha as the Otunba Asoludero of Iselu kingdom has been withdrawn by Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom of Ogun State. The first-class monarch also cancelled the installation ceremony which had been fixed for September 19, 2021.
The monarch had disclosed that he honoured Okorocha with the title in recognition of ‘his exemplified track record of unifying different tribes across the country.’ But, Oba Akinyemi in another letter on Monday, addressed to Okorocha explained that the chieftaincy title was withdrawn in the interest of peace and harmony.
The monarch however was silent on the reason for the sudden withdrawal and cancellation of the ceremony.
A committee that comprises the paramount rulers in the state including the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr Sikiru Adetona, allegedly grilled the monarch over the move to honour Okorocha.
It was further gathered that the monarch was asked to write Okorocha on the decision to withdraw the Chieftaincy title and cancel the proposed ceremony.
The monarch in the letter advised Okorocha to accept the withdrawal as an act of God.
Part of the letter read:
“Senator Sir, I must state that my decision to withdraw the Chieftaincy title offered you is not premised on any hatred for you, but is done in the interest of peace and harmony.
“For the records, I want to declare to Your Excellency that Eselu-in-Council and the good people of Iselu Kingdom still and will continue to love you and other well meaning Nigerians home and abroad.”
“Your Excellency should note that the doors of my Palace will continue to remain open to you and other patriotic Nigerians at all times for the progress of my community and Nigeria in general.”
“My advice to Your Excellency is that you should continue to help the needy in Nigeria, especially through your Foundation. Also, do not forget that development of every society requires all hands to be on deck; hence Your Excellency’s continuous show of love towards the development of Iselu Kingdom will always be greatly appreciated. Sir, it is my belief that what tomorrow will be will be determined by the future.”
“Therefore, I appeal that you should see this development as an act of God and I pray to the Almighty God to continue to be with you in your political career and all your endeavours. Any inconveniences this withdrawal of the Chieftaincy Title might have caused you is indeed regretted.”
“Please, accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
When contacted for comment, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Afolabi Afuape denied the government involvement in the withdrawal of the Chieftaincy title and cancellation of the ceremony. Afuape said his Ministry was aware that the monarch wanted to confer a chieftaincy title on Okorocha and did not have an issue with it.
The Commissioner said he had acknowledged the letter of notification written by the monarch to him, but, claimed that he was not aware of the new development.