In a press briefing held by the Chiefs and Regent of Ketu, we addressed various claims circulating in the community. We debunked allegations made by Prince Babajide Adefowora in a recent interview.
Alhaji Anjorin Lookman,
the Assistant Secretary to Oshokeji and a member of the Otuwunmi Royal Family,
stated that the late king was his brother and a grandson of the firstborn of
the Otunwunmi family, making him a cousin to the late King Adegboyega
Adefowora.
He explained the process
through which Chief Akeem Oluwo emerged as the king-elect from the Adeona
Ruling House, a process requested by the Oshokejis, who head all ruling houses,
including Efunderu, Adeona, Otunwunmi, and Otujeru.
While the town celebrated
the emergence of Chief Oluwo Kayode Akeem as the Alaketu of Ketu, a court
injunction was received that halted the coronation process. Alhaji Anjorin
further clarified accusations regarding land sales, stating that he sold land
that belonged to his great-grandmother and stands by his decision, asserting he
would not allow an Igbo individual to claim his inheritance.
Regarding land grabbing claims, he mentioned that the late king, in collusion with some community members, had brought Ajagungbale to forcefully take over Ketu land. This
matter was resolved at the police headquarters in Abuja, where Chief Akeem
Oluwo was exonerated from all claims of land grabbing. Since then, he has been
actively helping community members reclaim their lands from such encroachments.
Witnesses, including Mr.
Adeomo Koleodu, Ganiu Mufutau, and Olaiya Idowu, were present to attest to
Chief Akeem Oluwo’s contributions in resolving land disputes. Chief Muse Oluwo,
the Olori Omo Oba Oshokeji and head of the Otunwunmi Royal Family, indicated
that the process to choose a new king began after receiving a letter from the
Local Government instructing the community to start the selection process.
During a meeting held on
February 20, 2023, the Oshokeji council unanimously agreed that the Adeona
Ruling Family should present a king. Chief Oluwo Kayode Akeem was subsequently
recommended, and the Ifa Oracle confirmed him as the chosen one.
He recounted how previous
kings and baloguns had ascended the throne and emphasized that the tradition
called for the Adeona family to present the next king to uphold the cultural
heritage of Ketu. The community of Ketu remains steadfast against elitism and
wealth.
Chief Akeem Oluwo stated
that the purpose of the press briefing was to refute the falsehoods propagated
by those claiming the throne of Ketu. He addressed accusations of his
unqualification for kingship, land grabbing, and other claims. He clarified
that those claiming to belong to a different family are, in fact, from the same
family line, albeit with different fathers.
He provided a thorough
genealogy tracing the family lineage through significant figures, confirming
their connections. He also addressed the court matter initiated by the opposing
camp, questioning why, if the town truly desired Jide's kingship, he would be
included among the plaintiffs in the case. He assured that certificates and
letters of approval from the government were in place before the court
injunctions halted the installation process. The claim of his family's
exclusive right to the kingship of Ketu is as unfounded as the other
allegations aimed at misrepresenting history. The late Oba Kareem Adisa
belonged to the Ogunberu family, which shares a paternal line with his
grandfather Dehinde, the family name he carried until he ascended the throne of
Alaketu of Ketu. Finally, he dismissed claims regarding the celebration of
Eluku during the festivities, declaring them as fabrications. He assured that
extensive programs would be organized for the celebrations, reaffirming the
significance of Eluku as a traditional rite.
