Outrage in Ikire as stakeholders blast APC Chieftain over disrespect to Akire stool, says insult has gone too far

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‎The ‎Concerned Stakeholders of Ikire in Irewole Local Government area of Osun State yesterday said that, people of Ikire can no longer remain silent in the face of the disgraceful and insulting conduct displayed by a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state at the Akire Palace. 

According to the press statement issued and made available to newsmen by the ‎Concerned Stakeholders, duly signed by the Convener, Comrade John Adaramola, "His reckless outburst before the revered throne of the Akire was not only shameful, but a deliberate insult to the sacred institution of our traditional heritage.

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‎"For any individual to stand before the Akire of Ikire HRM Oba Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Aketula I and utter curses against the people of the land in the presence of the monarch is an act of arrogance taken too far. Such conduct was not merely disrespectful, it was a brazen assault on the dignity of the palace and a public embarrassment from someone who should know better. Banik’s actions exposed a disturbing pattern of intolerance, political desperation, and complete disregard for the values that bind our community together.

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‎"We state categorically that Banik must stop using statements to incite unnecessary tension in Ikire. The people of Ikire are not ingrates, and no amount of political propaganda can rewrite the truth. Ikire people know exactly what they have seen under the administration of His Excellency, Ademola Adeleke, and they are fully aware of the developmental efforts that have reached the town within just three years of purposeful leadership.

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‎"It is hypocritical for anyone to lecture Ikire people about loyalty when this same community endured years of neglect under previous administrations despite having prominent sons and daughters occupying powerful positions in government. Figures such as Muniru Oyebamiji and Benedict Gboyega Alabi,  all held positions of influence, yet Ikire witnessed some of its most disappointing years during that period. Those facts cannot be erased by noise and empty grandstanding from Banik.

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"‎Banik must immediately stop dragging the revered stool of the Akire into political bitterness. The crown of Ikire is not a platform for personal frustration, and no one has the right to reduce a respected royal institution to the level of political street quarrels. Linking community issues to the question of kingship only reveals a dangerous willingness to exploit sensitive matters for selfish political relevance.

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‎"Ikire remains peaceful and stable under the reign of HRM Oba Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Aketula I, and no amount of inflammatory rhetoric can change that reality. The people have already made their decision, and they remain resolute in their support for Governor Adeleke as a mark of appreciation for his commitment to the town.

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‎"We also acknowledge the people of Ede for standing firmly with Lere Oyewumi and demonstrating true political solidarity that continues to strengthen the bond between our communities.

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‎"Banik should consider this a final warning to conduct himself with restraint, respect, and maturity. Public insults, reckless utterances, and deliberate provocation may earn temporary attention, but they will never command the respect of a people who understand their history, honor their king, and know those who genuinely stand with them" the statement was quoted as saying.