The Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje local government of Ondo State, Oba Lawrence Omowole has been deposed by kingmakers for alleged abuse of office.
Omowole was alleged to have removed Oba Beniah Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto and installed a foreigner, one Oyetayo Ofoaye as the new king of the town
The kingmakers alleged that Ofoaye hails from Ukohi family who are total strangers and of refugee status in Aboto.
They recalled that the same Ofoaye with one Omolere Menukuro had challenged the appointment of Oba Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto at Okitipupa High Court in 2007.
They added that the suit was consequently dismissed.
But, Omowole denied the allegation saying the lawmakers were only on a mission to blackmail him.
However, the decision to remove the first class monarch was taken at a meeting attended by Mahin Obas, Olojas, Baales and youth organization, held on February 14, 2017 at Igbokola, the headquarters of Ilaje local government.
The letter, which a copy was made available to DAILY POST was signed by four out of the five kingmakers.
They also claimed that the copies of the letter had been served on the embattled king, the local government and the state government.
The kingmakers, who signed it were Urayen Ogefun of Mahinland, High Chief Akinyemi Omoyele, Asaron of Mahinland, High Chief Roju Malumi, Jadigba of Mahinland, Olibamayo Aladetan and Yasere of Mahin, High Chief Godwin Balogun.
The kingmakers also resolved that the Yasere of Mahin, Balogun, who is the chairman of the council of chiefs should be in charge of the affairs of the kingdom.
The letter reads “that by our history, no one, not even the Amapetu, has the power or authority to concede an inch of Mahinland or allow any stranger to weat a crown within our territory.
“That after a catalogue of complaints by the Mahin people of different communities of the acts and omission of the present Amapatu of Mahin, particularly with respect to the kingdom teritorial integrity, land use, cieftaincy matters, including the issue of the Alaboto of Aboto and minor chiefs in Igbokoda; the meeting supported the decision of the Mahin Kingmakers passing a vote of no confidence on the Monarch and declaring the seat vacant for the time being.
“That we are conscious of the special stake of Mahin in the Ilaje project on account of our larger population, overwhelming land mass, ownership of the headquarters of Ilaje accommodating all groups and our strategic geographical location without which others Ilajes have no access to their kingdoms and homes.
“We shall however, not compromise our inheritance in any manner whatsoever including our kingdom’s territorial integrity, land use, chieftiancy and customs and tradition generally.
“That we urged the government of Ondo State to accord Oba Idiogbe all his rights and privileges as the Alaboto of Aboto and resist any prompting or temptation from any quarters not even the Amapetu of Mahin to appoint any other person or by any means contemplate appointment of any person not being of Mahin origin or descent as Oba in Aboto or any other part of Mahin land.”
Omowole said some of those people who signed the letter were fake kingmakers.
He noted that they were only on a mission to blackmail his throne.
Omowole explained that no kingmaker had the power to remove him except his people, adding that his people were strongly behind him.
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