By 
First class traditional ruler in Ogun State, The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, on Monday announced the withdrawal of the conferment of Otunba Asoludero chieftaincy title on former Imo State governor, Sen. Rochas Okorocha.
The monarch canceled the installation ceremony which had earlier scheduled to hold on Sunday, September 19, 2021.
The withdrawal is disclosed in a letter dated August 9, signed by the Oba and addressed to senator Okorocha.
We could recalled that, Oba Akinyemi recently pronounced Okorocha as the Otunba Asoludero of Iselu kingdom in Yewa-North Local Government Area of Ogun.
The Eselu had hinged the conferment on Okorocha’s “exemplified track record of unifying different tribes across the country”.
But the Oba, in the letter he addressed to Okorocha on Monday; explained that the chieftaincy title was withdrawn “in the interest of peace and harmony”. While he claimed the Iselu kingdom still held Okorocha in high esteem; he advised him to accept the withdrawal as an act of God.
The letter reads in part “Senator sir, I must state that my decision to withdraw the chieftaincy title earlier conferred on you is not premised on any hatred for you but is done in the interest of peace and harmony”
“For the records, I want to declare to Your Excellency that Eselu-in-Council and the good people of Iselu Kingdom; will continue to love you and other well-meaning Nigerians, home and abroad. Your Excellency should note that the doors of my palace will continue to remain open to you and other patriotic Nigerians; at all times for the progress of my community and Nigeria, in general”
“My advice to Your Excellency is that you should continue to help the needy in Nigeria; especially through your Foundation”
“Also, do not forget that development of every society requires all hands to be on deck; hence Your Excellency’s continuous show of love towards the development of Iselu Kingdom will always be greatly appreciated”
“Sir, it is my belief that what tomorrow will be, will be determined by the future.
“Therefore, I appeal that you should see this development as an act of God. I pray to the Almighty God to continue to be with you in your political career and in all your endeavours”
“Any inconveniences this withdrawal of the chieftaincy title might have caused you, are indeed regretted”
“Please, accept the assurances of my esteemed regards,”
Meanwhile, the decision to strip Okorocha of the title may not be unconnected with recent developments in Imo State; particularly related to his alleged fraudulent acquisition and conversion of assets while he served as governor.
On Monday, a State High Court in Owerri had ordered the final and absolute forfeiture of Royal Palm Springs Hotel; aswell as other properties said to belong to Okorocha and other members of his family.
The said properties were listed on pages 226 to 272 of the Imo state Government White Paper report; which was submitted by a Judicial Commission of Enquiry on Recovery of Lands and other related matters.
The Presiding Justice, Fred Njemanze, who was sitting as a vacation judge, faulted Okorocha’s defence. He ruled that Okorocha’s counsel failed to give concrete and verifiable reasons why a final and absolute forfeiture order should not be given in favour of the Imo State government.
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