The Salu of Edunabon, His Royal Majesty Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo, Akinrinsa II, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to disregard what he described as unfounded allegations of threats to life reportedly made against him by one of his subjects, Adebayo Nasiru Bolawale.
The monarch made the appeal while briefing journalists on what he termed the true circumstances surrounding the allegation, insisting that the claims were baseless and aimed at damaging his reputation and disrupting peace in Edunabon.
Oba Oladepo explained that Adebayo Nasiru Bolawale had previously contested the stool of Salu of Edunabon alongside eleven other aspirants but lost in the duly recognised and legally concluded selection process. According to the monarch, the individual has since allegedly engaged in a series of actions considered disruptive to the community.
The Salu alleged that the claimant has unlawfully presented himself as the Salu of Edunabon without any appointment letter, staff of office, or approval from the appropriate authorities, actions which he said have attracted legal attention in the past.
Recalling a similar episode, Oba Akinrinsa II stated that the same individual had earlier made threats-to-life allegations against him several years ago but failed to substantiate the claims with evidence or formal complaints to the police or other lawful authorities.
The monarch further disclosed that following interventions by respected dignitaries and community leaders, he had previously withdrawn all legal actions instituted against Adebayo Nasiru Bolawale over alleged criminal conduct, choosing forgiveness in the interest of peace and communal harmony.
Expressing surprise at the renewed allegations, Oba Oladepo questioned why the claims had resurfaced despite the lack of proof in previous instances. He stressed that there is no dispute over the Salu of Edunabon stool, noting that the individual’s name was never listed in the final legal processes that culminated in his ascension to the throne.
The Salu warned that if what he described as continued attempts to malign his character persist, he may be compelled to revisit previously withdrawn cases through the appropriate legal channels.
Reassuring the people of Edunabon, Oba Oladepo emphasised that his reign, which began peacefully, remains committed to stability, unity, and developmental initiatives for the community.
The monarch also expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for his fatherly guidance and role in promoting peaceful coexistence in Edunabon, Ile-Ife, and surrounding communities.