I’m Fighting Over 100 Court Cases — Deji Of Akure

The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has revealed he is currently contending with over 100 lawsuits instituted against him since his ascension to the throne.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at his palace in Akure, Ondo State, on Friday, as part of activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary, the monarch disclosed that most of the litigations relate to disputes over the traditional authority of his stool across Akure-speaking communities.

Oba Aladelusi lamented that the greatest challenge of his reign had been the incessant legal battles questioning his legitimacy as the prescribed authority over Akure-speaking areas.

He stressed that all communities where the Akure dialect is spoken, irrespective of their local government jurisdictions, are historically subject to the authority of the Deji.

“For the past 10 years, we have faced numerous challenges. At present, there are over 100 court cases against me, all from different quarters contesting Deji’s status as the prescribed authority.

“I firmly believe that wherever the Akure dialect is spoken — whether in Akure North, Akure South, or Ifedore — it is Akure. And the prescribed authority remains the Deji. That has been our tradition from time immemorial. I’m not forcing myself on anyone,” he asserted.

The monarch recounted his efforts to promote peace and unity among Akure communities since his enthronement, stating that he had advised other traditional rulers within the Akure-speaking areas against attempting to rival the Deji’s stool.

“When I became Deji, I made it clear to other rulers in Akure land that we should not rival the Deji. That would be akin to me challenging the Ooni or the Alaafin — it would be absurd.

“The Deji’s authority predates the existence of governors. It was only the colonial administrators who disrupted our traditional order. Communities like Iju, Ogbolu, and Ijare were founded by descendants of the Deji. No ruler in Akure North or South can contest the authority of the Deji,” he maintained.

Oba Aladelusi also spoke of his desire to see an Akure indigene emerge as the next Governor of Ondo State, expressing disappointment at the persistent disunity among Akure-speaking communities, which he said has repeatedly thwarted the ambition.

“Everyone wants his own candidate to become governor, and this lack of unity has been our undoing. If we had stood together, we would have produced a governor long ago.

“But I am confident that the next governor of Ondo State will come from Akure — be it Akure North, South, or Ifedore. We are one,” he declared.