Council suspends monarch indefinitely over alleged abuse

The Imo Traditional Council of Ogun State has indefinitely suspended Chief Olakunle Joseph, the Head/Baale of Olojede village, Orile Imo in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area over alleged abuse of chieftaincy title.

The suspension, with immediate effect, was issued by the Secretary and Seriki of Imo, Chief Emmanuel Olaotan Olude.

This was in consent with the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbedebo.

The suspension letter had it that Joseph should henceforth desist from parading himself as Baale of Olojede

It said: “On the directive of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, CFR, the Okukenu IV, The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, please be informed that you have been placed on indefinite suspension with immediate effect’, the letter read.

“The foregoing action is necessary as a result of your unbecoming and traditionally unacceptable steps taken in settling certain grievances which include but not limited to taking a legal action against the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland and general abuse of your chieftaincy title.

“In view of this, you are hereby expected to desist from parading yourself as Baale of Olojede Village or as any other chieftaincy title holder in any of the suburb of Imo Township until further notice.”

Alake of Egbaland had earlier written the Imo Traditional Council to place the community head on suspension, adding that it is on record that Joseph has taken a legal action against him.

Oba Gbadebo in the letter addressed to Chief Babatunde Akeem Adesina, Odofin Imo, titled: “Suspension of Chief Olakunle Olalekan Joseph as Baale Olojede Village, Orile Imo,” emphasised that the suspended chief has been found wanting in action, which is unbecoming and unacceptable to traditional procedures

The letter added: “You are no doubt aware of the unbecoming and traditionally unacceptable steps being taken by the above-named in settling certain grievances. It is on record that Chief Olakunle Olalekan Joseph, Baale Olojede Village, Orile-Imo, has taken a legal action against the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland.

“In view of this, I hereby direct the Imo Traditional Council to take an appropriate action by placing the erring Baale on indefinite suspension with immediate effect, please.Thank you for your usual co-operation.”