Prince Tajudeen Adesegun Adejumo Gboleru, a contender for the Akinrun throne and member of the Daudu Kolawole ruling house in Ikirun, has stated that he is not desperate to become the next Akinrun.
He affirmed that if it is his destiny to ascend the throne of his forefathers, it will happen in due time.
Speaking after a meeting with family members and local youth at his residence in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Prince Tajudeen emphasized that the Akinrun stool is not a “do-or-die” affair.
He said it is a position to serve the community and its people.
Addressing the ongoing controversies surrounding the kingship and his family’s stance on the matter, Prince Tajudeen stressed that he has no issues with the other contender from his ruling house. However, he urged the candidate to identify himself properly to the family, rather than resorting to blackmail and issuing false statements.
According to him, his family was unfairly excluded from the kingship selection process. “Before I left for Toronto, Canada, my parents informed me that our family was next in line for the throne. Suddenly, we heard that a new king had been installed without our knowledge. The claims that we refused to present a candidate are entirely false. We were never approached,” Prince Tajudeen explained.
He also raised concerns about a court case, supposedly filed by someone claiming to represent the Gboleru family, which has further complicated the selection process. “The government has asked us to settle a court case, but we don’t even know who initiated it. This individual, who calls himself Adeyemo Oyetunji, has been parading as a representative of our family, yet none of the elders know him,” he said.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation, Prince Tajudeen called on the government to ensure transparency in the selection process. “Whoever this Adeyemo is, he needs to come forward. The people have never seen him, and he’s not known to the Gboleru family. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no legitimate case involving our family in court. It feels like a staged program,” he added.
Despite the disputes, Prince Tajudeen stated that he harbors no ill will towards any other candidate for the throne. “I’m not in a battle with anyone over this. If I’m the right person for the throne, then let the government do its due diligence. If not, that’s fine. I’m not desperate for the position, and I won’t resort to blackmail or deceit,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal background, Prince Tajudeen shared details of his humble beginnings and passion for community development. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. I worked my way up from a less privileged family to where I am today. I hold an MBA, run a microfinance bank, and have years of experience in finance. My focus has always been on helping the community, especially by encouraging youth to pursue education and better their lives,” he said.
He also warned against attempts to tarnish his image, stating that he will not stay silent if more false claims are made about him. “A closed mouth is a closed destiny. If you keep quiet too long, people might believe the lies. That’s why I’m speaking up now. If anyone tries to blackmail me directly, I will respond. Just because I choose not to fight doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing,” he concluded.
Prince Tajudeen urged his family members to remain calm, assuring them that the Osun State Government is carrying out a thorough investigation to ensure that the rightful candidate is chosen as the new Akinrun of Ikirunland.
A resident of Ikirun, Idowu Adekunle, voiced his support for Prince Tajudeen’s candidacy, stating, “We all know Gboleru is next in line, and we want him as our king. The government should ensure that the right person is installed.”
It is worth noting that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke recently nullified the appointments of the Aare of Iree, Owa of Igbajo, and Akinrun of Ikirun, which were made by his predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, citing irregularities in the selection processes.
While Governor Adeleke has reinstated the Aare of Iree and Owa of Igbajo, the selection process for the Akinrun throne has been put on hold, pending the outcome of the ongoing appeal case.
A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, read: “On the disputed Akirun stool, the White Paper directed that the parties await the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal. And that the stool remains vacant.”
