Traditional rulers in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State have expressed deep concern over the abandonment and deplorable state of the Akinrun Palace in Ikirun, describing its current condition as a sad reflection of neglect and disunity.
The monarchs, led by the Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Okunade; the Olobaagun of Obaagun, Oba Jimoh Adebayo Olatunji; and the Elende of Eko-Ende, Oba Abdulwaheed Babatunde Adekunle, made their position known during an inspection visit to the palace on Thursday.
They lamented that the once-proud royal edifice has fallen into disrepair since the demise of the former Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba AbdulRauf Olayiwola Olawale, in February 2021.
Following the monarch’s passing, succession disputes among princes of the royal lineages had stalled the process of filling the vacant stool. The crisis prompted the Osun State Government, under Governor Ademola Adeleke, to issue a White Paper directing the feuding parties to await the ruling of the Court of Appeal before any further action. Consequently, the Akinrun stool has remained vacant to date.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Adekunle described the state of the palace as disheartening, noting that its surroundings have been overtaken by overgrown grass and encroaching wildlife.
“It is unfortunate that this historic palace, the headquarters of the Ifelodun Traditional Council, has been allowed to waste away,” he said. “We must not fold our arms while our heritage decays. This is the result of division among us. We must act together to restore dignity to this place.”
The monarchs pledged to mobilise immediate efforts to rehabilitate the palace. According to them, the Ifelodun Traditional Council will take responsibility for financing and coordinating the clearing of weeds and restoration work within a week.
“We are determined to bring life back to this symbol of our unity and authority,” Oba Adekunle added.
Responding, the Eesa of Ikirunland, High Chief Adetoyese Abdulkareem, who represented the chiefs and ruling houses of the town, commended the council for its intervention.
He assured the visiting monarchs that traditional leaders in Ikirun would collaborate with the council to ensure the swift revival of the Akinrun Palace.
“This palace is the soul of our town,” he said. “We appreciate your concern and will work closely with you to restore its glory.”
