Gov Akeredolu urged to reverse chieftaincy approval in Sabomi-Apoi
By Benjamin Arida://
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has been asked to reverse his approval of Chief Felix Koledoye as the Okiribiti of Sabomi-Apoi Community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state, saying the matter is still pending before court for adjudication.
Gbabijo ruling house of Sabomi-Apoi in the community made the appeal in a letter addressed to the governor, among others by its counsel, Barrister Tosin Samuel Alawode.
According to the protesting ruling house, the announcement of Koledoye as the Okiribiti of Sabomi-Apoi on Adaba 88.9 FM on January 12, 2022 as approved by the State Governing Council was unacceptable.
The letter was also copied to the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, his Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs counterpart; Chairman and Secretary Ese-Odo Local Government, F.O Ayegbusi Esq, CLO representing Ondo State government among, others.
The counsel, who said that the need for the state government to rescind its decision; when the matter is still before the court, became necessary, adding that the present development could lead to breakdown of law and order in the community.
Alawode urged Governor Akeredolu not to allow his name be dragged in the mud and to allow the rule of law run its full course without any interference whatsoever.
The letter reads in part: “It is totally shocking and it is to our utter dismay to hear that this development as it is least expected, stemming from the fact that there exists a pending matter before the High Court of the state where procedures leading to the nomination of the said Chief Felix Koledoye is being challenged.
“This matter has witnessed a substantial progress and the court made an order for status quo to be maintained pending the final determination of the case which is enjoying accelerated hearing before the court upon the undertaking made by all the parties, including your Excellency’s good office before the court. Hearing has commenced and listed for continuation on 2nd and 3rd of February 2022.
“Against the backdrop of this development, we deemed it fit to appeal to your Excellency’s reasoning to rescind the decision. Your Excellency, being a revered senior lawyer, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA should never be seen to act in a manner that will breach rule of law, undermine the integrity and sanctity of the court and our judicial system and bring them to disrepute.
“As such, we believe your Excellency will easily understand that decision that has been taken by the Governing Council of the State which you head can easily and has easily undermined the integrity of the judiciary and the Court of law as it grossly contradicts expectation of parties and that of the general populace when a matter is lis pendis, and may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the community.”