The Supare Youth Council has dismissed reports suggesting that tension has engulfed Supare Akoko following the Ondo State Government's approval of the appointment of the new Olusupare, insisting that the community remains peaceful and united behind the newly approved monarch.
The council, in a statement jointly signed on Thursday by its President, Abiodun Faborode, and General Secretary, Solomon Oloruntoba, described as misleading reports alleging widespread rejection of the appointment of HRM Oba Richard Adewale Fasusi by the Ondo State Executive Council led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The youth body was reacting to a publication titled, "Tension, Rejection Hit Aiyedatiwa's Approval of New Monarch in Ondo State," and a legal challenge reportedly instituted by Prince Solomon Animasahun Adelakun against the approval of the monarch.
According to the council, there is no subsisting court order restraining the Ondo State Government from approving the appointment of the Olusupare, stressing that the state acted within its constitutional and statutory powers.
It maintained that contrary to the impression created by the report, Supare Akoko has remained calm since the approval of the monarch, with residents welcoming the decision after years of vacancy on the traditional stool.
The council explained that Oba Fasusi emerged through a selection process conducted on June 11, 2024, under the supervision of officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
It said the exercise followed the prescribed chieftaincy procedures, with the nine recognised kingmakers adopting the open ballot (Option A4) system, where Fasusi secured five votes to emerge victorious.
According to the statement, the Ministry subsequently completed all administrative processes before forwarding the recommendation to the State Executive Council, which approved the appointment.
The council further argued that the pending court case does not invalidate the government's approval, noting that only the court has the authority to determine the legal implications of any interim order.
It also claimed that Prince Adelakun had earlier withdrawn from the race before the final selection and publicly declared support for another contestant, Prince Adebola Fasoyin Stephen, who eventually lost the exercise.
The youth body said the approval of the monarch sparked widespread celebrations across the community, with residents expressing their joy through peaceful gatherings and festivities.
"The publication claiming there is tension and rejection in Supare is false and does not reflect the true situation in our community. Supare remains peaceful, united and grateful to the Ondo State Government for bringing the prolonged traditional leadership process to a successful conclusion," the statement read.
The council appealed to all indigenes of the community to put the contest behind them and support Oba Fasusi in the interest of peace, unity and development.
It also urged all parties involved in the dispute to refrain from making statements capable of inciting unrest or undermining ongoing judicial proceedings, while warning individuals against actions that could threaten the prevailing peace in the community.
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