In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing chieftaincy crisis in Iree, Osun State, Adesanya Adedeji Adesoji Adeyemi has been forced to flee for his life following severe threats from traditionalists and a well-known politician.
The unrest surrounding the town’s chieftaincy dispute has turned violent, pushing Adesanya to the brink of disaster.
His uncle, who is a well-known political leader in Osun State, has threatened to kill Adesanya should he decide to be a bastard and not follow the tradition of his family house and community by refusing to accept the role of his late father as abore of the family diety.
The turmoil began after the death of Adesanya’s father on October 15, 2021. during the burial preparations, Adesanya said he noticed the presence of traditional deity worshippers at his family house.
“I did not give it any thought because my uncle has always been one of them,” he recalled. However, everything changed on December 8, 2021, when Adesanya received a call from his uncle, urgently summoning him back to Iree. There, in the presence of family elders, he was informed that he was chosen to become the new chief priest (Aboore) of the family’s deity, Lagbondoko, a role he vehemently refused.
His refusal enraged the elders, who issued ominous threats.
He said: “I was surprised because I have never seen my father associate with idol worshipping. They informed my uncle that if he did not convince me to accept the post, we should be ready for more burials, and I would soon follow my father.”
Despite his uncle’s pleas and subsequent threats, Adesanya stood firm in his beliefs, saying: “I would never be part of such rites because it is against my faith.”
His defiance has since put him in danger. Strangers have harassed his wife, and there have been alleged attempts to kidnap his children.
Adesanya has received countless calls from unknown persons, warning him to comply or face dire consequences.
The crisis escalated when Adesanya narrowly escaped being lynched by hoodlums when he visited his hometown when some family members instructed him to come so that a peaceful resolution could be achieved.
This attack coincided with widespread unrest over the appointment of Ponle Ademola as the Aree of Iree.
Protests erupted, leading to the burning of Aree’s palace and the destruction of properties worth millions.
A traditional leader close to the Adeyemi family remarked: “It is a tradition in the town for the eldest son to inherit his father’s position. Whoever refuses always bears the consequences; most often, they attack physically and spiritually, which often results in death.”
Political turbulence has made the situation in Iree worse. The former governor, Gboyega Oyetola, appointed Ponle Ademola as the Aree of Iree in November. However, the local council of elders opposed this decision, citing it as a breach of traditional practice.
The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, recently reversed these appointments, causing further unrest and the arrest of the Aogun of Iree, Soliu Atoyebi.
During the chaos, the palace was set ablaze on December 1, 2022, around 7 pm, and several associates of the palace were attacked. Roads leading to the town were blocked with bonfires, reflecting the community’s deep divisions.
“I know the person behind the attack; I knew he would come after me and my family, he has vowed to deal with me since I confronted him that neither me nor my sons are ready to be the Abore, and I remember that day he told me that I should be ready to bear the consequences. He has a very strong political network everywhere, being a notable politician; and i am not ready to risk my life or that of my family.
“They should take their title; I don’t want it. What do I need it for? God has blessed me, and I’m glad I’m doing well with my family,” Adesanya explained. Adesanya, originally from Iree but residing in Lagos with his wife and children
“We are a very peaceful and happy family,” he shared, reflecting on the life they once knew.
Adesanya’s whereabouts remain unknown, as he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention following the attack.
Efforts to reach him have been unsuccessful, and his lines remain unreachable.
As Adesanya’s plight highlights the dangers of tradition clashing with personal belief, his safety hangs in the balance, and his whereabouts are not known by anybody as at the time of filling this report
The Adeyemi family’s struggle serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to break with tradition in a place where they have a significant influence. For now, their fate remains uncertain as they seek safety far from the threats that haunt them in their homeland
