REACTION TO PRINCE SOLAGBADE AMODENI’S CLARIFICATION ON THE DELAY OF A NEW KING IN IPESI AKOKO

It is with great concern and disappointment that we address the recent statements made by Prince Solagbade Amodeni and his committee regarding the prolonged delay in the installation of a new king for Ipesi-Akoko. Since the unfortunate demise of our beloved king in 2006, our village has been left headless, and it is high time we confronted the excuses and blatant falsehoods that have perpetuated this unacceptable situation.

Prince Amodeni, a highly educated man and a prominent figure in the community, has repeatedly claimed that the delay is due to a meticulous search for the most qualified candidate. However, this assertion does not hold water. Among the many princes who have shown interest in ascending the throne, not a single one lacks the qualifications necessary to lead our village. The prolonged vacuum in leadership is not due to a lack of qualified candidates but rather a result of deliberate inaction and selfish motives.

It is particularly shameful that Prince Amodeni, who hails from the family of the past king, is complicit in this stagnation. His family members, complacent with their current political and royal positions, have left Ipesi-Akoko without a king for 18 years. Prince Amodeni’s recent remarks about his contributions to the community, such as providing computers, installing electricity, and constructing roads, are irrelevant to the pressing issue at hand. Furthermore, many of these claims are outright lies; the projects he boasts of were actually completed by others.

The delay in installing a new king is a disgrace not only to Prince Amodeni and his committee but also to the entire community. Neighboring villages have successfully installed new kings following the demise of their former leaders, yet Ipesi-Akoko remains without one. This failure to act demonstrates a lack of respect for our traditions and customs, and it tarnishes the integrity of our leadership.

Prince Amodeni’s extensive education and global exposure seem to have little relevance if he remains comfortable with a village without a king for nearly two decades. Despite his travels and experiences, he appears unable to recognize the proper course of action for his own community. It is shameful, sir, that you and your committee have allowed this situation to persist for so long.

The excuses for this delay are nothing more than a cover for selfish interests. There is no legitimate reason to prevent the installation of a new king, as all conditions have been met in terms of qualifications and adherence to traditional processes. The last decision-making meeting on this matter was held in July 2023 with a promise of new king by October 2023, and nearly a year later, no reasonable progress has been made. The people of Ipesi-Akoko are tired of hearing flimsy excuses that hinder the progress of our village.

If Prince Amodeni is personally interested in the kingship, he should be transparent and declare his intentions. This unnecessary delay cannot continue. The community deserves honesty and clarity, not prolonged uncertainty and manipulation. If you have ambitions for the throne, Prince Amodeni, state them clearly so the community can address this directly.

The youths of Ipesi are growing increasingly frustrated with this situation. If the delay continues, we will be left with no choice but to take to the streets, clamoring and forcefully demanding the immediate installation of a new king. This potential unrest will not bode well for you or your committee. It is imperative that you take swift and decisive action to resolve this issue and restore proper leadership to our community.

In conclusion, the ongoing delay in installing a new king is a source of great shame and frustration. Prince Amodeni and his committee must recognize the urgency of this matter and act in the best interests of Ipesi-Akoko. The time for excuses is over; it is time to restore our village’s dignity and leadership. The community calls for transparency, honesty, and immediate action to end this prolonged period of stagnation.

COMPILED BY:
CONCERNED YOUTHS OF IPESI AKOKO