The Ikere Development Forum (IDF), the umbrella body for all Ikere sons and daughters worldwide, has urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to reverse the creation of a new autonomous community, Odo-Oja, in Ikere.
The Forum said the Odo-Oja section of Ikere is an integral part of the town without known boundaries.
In a statement by the National President Femi Ekundayo and National Secretary Pastor ’Tope Orulu following a general meeting, the IDF said Ikere town has been governed for centuries under the leadership of The Ogoga of Ikere, the paramount ruler and prescribed authority over all chieftains in Ikere Local Government.
It said various sections of Ikere have lived together in harmony, bound together by intimate cultural, socioeconomic, and political ties without any major rancour.
“Any attempt to carve out Odo-Oja from Ikere will lead to anarchy and perpetual acrimony amongst brothers and sisters.
“The idea of creating an ‘autonomous community’ within Ikere is a complete anathema to the people because it is strange and impracticable.
“We, therefore, urge the state government to rethink this action and reverse such without delay.”
The Forum noted that previous requests for an Oba of Odo-Oja community were rejected by several commissions of inquiry set up by previous governments of Ekiti and the old Ondo State.
IDF faulted the presentation of staff of office to a new oba of the new community, saying it “may lead to the disruption of the peace and progress of the town perpetually”.
It said there was no historical record, written or oral, that supports the supposed claim of the Olukere as an Oba.
“All the chiefs in Odo-Oja are lkere chiefs and they derive their authority from the Ogoga. A good number of these chiefs are long-standing kingmakers to the Ogoga Stool,” the statement added.