14th February, 2014
Eromosele Ebhomele
The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has suspended a top chief of the historic town located in Ogun State, western Nigeria, over what his palace described as sacrilege.
Against the tradition of the town, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, sued the royal father and the Chairman of First City Monument Bank, Otunba Subomi Balogun, over a traditional title that was given to the bank chief.
According to sources within the palace, Otunba Balogun was crowned the Olori-ebi of Fusengbuwa, a title that is being contested by Owoyemi, who believes he is better qualified to be conferred with the title.
A copy of the letter suspending Owoyemi as an Otunba, and obtained by P.M.NEWS, said the writ of summons from the court to the palace has been forwarded to the traditional ruler’s lawyer.
“We believe you are old enough, and moreso with your status in life, to know that your writ against the Awujale is an abomination and contrary to Ijebu culture, ancient custom and tradition.
“Consequently, I am directed to inform you that your position as an Otunba of the Awujale is hereby put on suspension with immediate effect pending the time a final decision is taken on you.
“Henceforth, you should desist from addressing or parading yourself as an Otunba of the Awujale or attending any meeting of the Ijebu Council of Otunbas,” the letter signed by Joseph Clement for Awujale’s Secretary, stated.