IKERE LG CHAIRMAN, SUPREME COUNCIL LEADERSHIP CLASH OVER CONSULTATION, COMMUNITY INTERESTS AND RIGHT TO PEACEFUL PROTEST

A war of words has erupted between the Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Retired Squadron Leader Olu Adamolekun, and the leadership of the Supreme Council in Ikere-Ekiti following a protest calling on the government to take back Annunciation Grammar School, St. Louis Grammar School and African Church Comprehensive High School.

The protest has sparked a sharp disagreement over government consultation, community interests and the right to peaceful protest, with both sides offering contrasting views on how the issues surrounding the schools should be addressed.

The disagreement followed the protest, which had already been held, after Adamolekun criticised the organisers for allegedly failing to consult relevant government authorities before embarking on the action. Chief Akin Afuye, the Asoju Oba of Ikere Kingdom and President of SCIY, fired back, questioning the chairman’s contributions to the community and defending the protest as a legitimate means of expressing grievances.

In a statement dated October 20, 2026, Adamolekun expressed displeasure over the development, insisting that the organisers should have consulted the government and relevant stakeholders before proceeding with the protest. He also corrected the way he was addressed, stressing that he should be recognised as a retired Squadron Leader rather than simply as a Mr.

The local government chairman argued that the issue surrounding Annunciation Grammar School and others required a measured approach, recalling that missionaries had previously requested government takeovers of schools they could no longer maintain. According to him, any decision concerning the institution should follow due process rather than be driven by public demonstrations.

Adamolekun further disclosed that he had visited Annunciation school in the past and advised its then principal, a Reverend Father, to consider returning it to government ownership because its student population in the boarding was reportedly below 30. He said the situation called for practical intervention rather than a protest.

He also faulted the organisers for allegedly failing to consult him and other stakeholders, including the local government administration, before taking action. The chairman raised security concerns over the protest location, describing it as unsafe and claiming that the action had not been approved by the government.

Adamolekun also expressed concern over the alleged use of the palace of the Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom in connection with the agitation, warning that such an approach could affect the reputation of the traditional institution. He maintained that protest should only be considered after other avenues of resolving the matter had been exhausted.

Afuye strongly rejected the chairman’s position, accusing him of being more concerned about his personal interests than the welfare of Ikere community.

In his response, Afuye apologised for not addressing Adamolekun by his retired military rank but proceeded to question the chairman’s understanding of the group’s activities at the Ekiti State House of Assembly. He suggested that Adamolekun was not adequately informed about their engagements and efforts to pursue the community’s concerns through legislative channels.

He also challenged the chairman to explain what he had done with constructive suggestions previously presented to him, accusing him of failing to provide meaningful leadership to the local government. He argued that community stakeholders should not be expected to seek the chairman’s permission before taking action on issues affecting Ikere.

The SCIY president further stated that the peaceful protest had already been conducted and that the group had moved on to pursue its agitation at the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

Rejecting the chairman’s description of the protest as uncivilised, Afuye maintained that peaceful protest was a legitimate and civilised means of expressing displeasure. He questioned Adamolekun’s position on civilisation and made allegations concerning past arrests and detention involving the chairman. The allegations, however, have not been independently verified.

Afuye also warned that he would seek legal redress if the chairman continued to threaten him, saying he was prepared to invoke the law to protect his fundamental human rights. He nevertheless concluded his response by stating that he would refrain from further exchanges out of respect for Adamolekun’s age.

The exchange has brought to the fore differing views on leadership, consultation and the right of community stakeholders to express their grievances. While Adamolekun insists that government authorities and relevant stakeholders should have been consulted before the protest, Afuye maintains that community members have the right to act in pursuit of their collective interests without seeking the chairman’s permission.

The disagreement also highlights the tension that can arise when elected officials and community organisations differ over how to address issues affecting their people. While the chairman advocates consultation and established procedures, the Supreme Council leadership maintains that peaceful protest and legislative engagement are legitimate avenues for pursuing community interests.

With the protest already concluded and the group indicating that it has moved on to the State House of Assembly, attention now turns to the substantive concerns surrounding Annunciation Grammar School, Others and the steps required to address them.

For residents of Ikere-Ekiti, the priority remains finding a way forward on the school issue, even as the public exchange between the two leaders raises questions about cooperation, accountability and constructive engagement in the interest of the community.