Onipako Selection: LG Chairman Defends Actions, Insists on Fair Hearing

The Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Olusola Adeleke, has rejected allegations of bias levelled against him by the Pako kingmakers, insisting that his actions in the ongoing Onipako selection process are guided by fairness, due process and respect for existing chieftaincy laws.

Responding to claims that he deliberately withheld the final selection report of the kingmakers, Adeleke said he only resolved to ensure that all parties involved were given a fair hearing before any aspirant could be presented for approval.

He stressed that discrepancies must be properly addressed to avoid future disputes.

Adeleke noted that the stool of Onipako of Pako has remained vacant for about 14 years following the death of the last occupant, adding that he assumed office less than two years ago and inherited the lingering chieftaincy dispute

Adeleke emphasized that about seven previous council chairmen tried to resolve the matter in the last fourteen years without success.

He urged the Kingmakers to desist from ascribing his name to the lingering issue but instead, they are advised to put their houses in order.

According to him, his administration is committed to resolving the matter transparently and equitably, without favouring any individual or interest group, in order to ensure lasting peace in Pako community.

He maintained that his intervention should not be misconstrued as interference, but rather as a statutory responsibility to guarantee that the selection process complies fully with the law and established chieftaincy procedures.

The chairman urged the kingmakers to put their house in order and work within the recognised legal framework, assuring that once all issues are properly resolved, the local government would take appropriate steps in line with due process.

The council chairman unequivocally stated that petitions written by individuals or a group will not resolve the lingering issue.

According to him, he has made concerted effort to resolve the issues among the parties involved and other traditional rulers within the council. The meeting he said lasted for about four hours and still ended in a deadlock.