Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has issued a warning against an alleged plan to invade and take over the Ikirun palace.

Governor Adeleke also directed security agencies to immediately secure the palace premises.

The warning was contained in a statement released by his the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Wednesday, following reports of a planned breach of the palace despite ongoing legal disputes over the Akirun stool.

The governor through the statement cautioned that any prince or individual found to be involved in the alleged plot would be held accountable, stressing that the matter remains before the courts.

“The palace remains sealed until the conclusion of ongoing litigations on the Akirun stool. Any violation of the directive would attract sanctions,” Governor Adeleke warned.

He also warned against actions capable of disrupting peace in Ikirun, noting that the government would not tolerate any form of self-help while judicial processes are ongoing.

“Any attempt to disturb the peace of Ikirun will not be tolerated by our government. The Akirun stool is a matter before the court and until the matter is resolved, no resort to self-help will be tolerated,” the governor stated.

Adeleke explained that the palace had only been briefly opened recently for environmental clearing and maintenance aimed at preserving the historic structure.

“I restored peace to Ikirun Community by an executive order, and it is only through my executive order that the palace can be re-opened,” he said.

He clarified that the recent access to the palace did not amount to a reopening, but was limited to cleaning activities to safeguard the traditional monument.

The governor, therefore, directed all relevant security agencies to secure the palace and prevent any illegal occupation or takeover.

“All efforts should be deployed to sustain and maintain the peace of Ikirun,” Adeleke added.

The Akirun stool has remained vacant since the demise of the late Akirun of Ikirun, Oba AbdulRauf Olawale Adedeji II at the age of 78 in February 2021.

The late monarch’s passing created a vacancy on the Akirun stool, triggering a succession process governed by customary law and chieftaincy regulations.

Following his death, disputes reportedly arose among contending princes and ruling houses over the rightful successor, leading to litigations currently before the courts.

These legal proceedings prompted Osun State Government intervention to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the community.

As part of efforts to maintain peace, the Osun State Government ordered the sealing of the Ikirun palace pending the resolution of the court cases relating to the stool.

The succession dispute linked to the demise of the late Akirun has remained a sensitive issue in Ikirun, with authorities repeatedly urging stakeholders to respect the rule of law and avoid self-help.