Iresa-Adu Boycotts Makinde, Selects Monarch Over Aresa Stool Delay

The Iresa-Adu community in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State has taken a defiant step by installing a new traditional ruler in one of its key towns, signaling a boycott of the state government’s approval process. This development comes amidst growing frustration among residents over the prolonged delay by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in approving a substantive Oba Aresa of Iresa-Adu, the paramount ruler of the area. The community alleges that despite years of appeals, letters, and delegations to the Governor, the stool has remained vacant, leaving the town vulnerable.

Community leaders cited rising insecurity, territorial violence, and land encroachment from neighboring Osun and Kwara states as the primary drivers for their unilateral action. To fill the leadership vacuum and coordinate local security, the community proceeded to install Oba Adeleke Isaiah Olayiwola Oninuola I as the Aregba of Iregba, a prominent town within the Iresa-Adu territory. A community elder, Prince Olaleye, explained that the decision was a necessary measure to protect lives and property, stating, "We are losing lives to insecurity and disputes... We have made numerous appeals to the government on the Aresa-Adu stool without resolution."

The situation reflects a deep sense of neglect, with residents pointing out that while Governor Makinde has intervened in other high-profile chieftaincy disputes in the state, the Aresa-Adu matter has lingered for nearly eight years. The leadership gap has reportedly taken an emotional and physical toll, with key high chiefs dying during the vacancy period. While the local government chairman, Hon. Isaiah Adegbite, has been engaged, he maintains that his hands are tied without the Governor's approval. As of press time, the Oyo State Government has yet to officially respond to the community's bold move.