The selection process for the next Aresa of Iresa-Adu in Surulere LGA of Oyo State has taken a fresh turn following allegations by a member of the Emiolu Ruling House, Prince Tunwagun Adeolu Akanji, that the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, is attempting to frustrate the process.
Akanji, an Akewi (traditional chanter), alleged that the commissioner was mounting pressure on members of the ruling house to favour his preferred candidate, Prince Fenwa Popoola.
In a statement obtained by 𝗜𝗧𝗩 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 , Akanji said Olaleye and himself belonged to the Oyeniyi branch of the Emiolu Ruling House, adding that the commissioner had been in Iresa-Adu since Friday, September 4, allegedly canvassing support for Popoola.
He said: “Mr Lasun Olaleye, the Oyo Commissioner for Agriculture, and I are both from the Oyeniyi branch of the Emiolu Ruling House. Commissioner Olasunkanmi has barely left Iresa-Adu since last Friday, September 4, to solicit for his candidate, Prince Fenwa Popoola, but he has met a lot of resistance from our family.
“The commissioner has now resorted to attempting to sabotage the entire selection process.”
He further alleged that the commissioner had been invoking the name of Governor Seyi Makinde in an attempt to influence stakeholders in the selection process.
According to him, the commissioner allegedly claimed to be acting on the governor’s directives, an assertion he described as false.
In a video circulating online, Akanji said the governor should intervene to prevent the controversy from affecting his administration, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said: “Commissioner Olasunkanmi Olaleye is using Governor Seyi Makinde’s name to intimidate all parties in the process, claiming he is carrying out the governor’s orders.
“This is a lie. Commissioner Olaleye only wishes to use his position to decide who becomes the next Aresa-Adu, even though his candidate is not who the people want.
“Governor Makinde should call him to order, especially now that elections are coming. We are not going to allow this.”
The controversy has also reportedly divided members of the Oyeniyi branch and the larger Emiolu Ruling House, with some members allegedly rejecting what they described as an attempt to impose a preferred candidate.
Akanji maintained that the governor was unlikely to have authorised any attempt to interfere with the traditional selection process.
He said the alleged actions of the commissioner could damage the reputation of the Makinde administration, which he claimed had built a good standing across the state.
Meanwhile, the long-running dispute over the Aresa-Adu stool has continued to attract political attention, with opposition parties reportedly using the matter to criticise the state government.
The development followed a recent letter by the Oyo State Government directing the Emiolu Ruling House, identified as the rightful ruling house, to produce a candidate for the vacant stool.
The development has reportedly generated excitement among residents of Iresa-Adu, who have been awaiting the resolution of the succession dispute.
However, tension was said to have risen on Saturday, September 5, following an alleged attempt to intimidate the Mogaji of the Emiolu Ruling House, Pa Julius Olanipekun, at his residence at about 7pm.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, alleged that individuals believed to be loyalists of Commissioner Olaleye and Popoola were involved in the incident.
Another elder of the family, Pa Oyeweso, reportedly confirmed that an attempt was made to intimidate the Mogaji, but said the move was resisted by elders who were present at the residence.
The allegations could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Attempts to obtain the reaction of Commissioner Olaleye to the allegations were unsuccessful, as calls and other efforts to reach him did not yield a response.