A former Head of Service of Ondo State and Aheri prince, Mr. Ajose Kudehinbu, has called on the Ondo State Government to intervene in what he described as growing traditional and territorial disputes involving Aheri Kingdom and Araromi Seaside in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Kudehinbu, who is also a former Chairman of the Ondo State Civil Service Commission, made the call in a statement titled “Aheriland (Ilaje) at Crossroads: For the Record,” in which he expressed concern over developments surrounding Araromi Seaside, the proposed host community of the Ondo State Free Trade Zone.
He alleged that Araromi Seaside historically forms part of Aheri Kingdom, arguing that historical records and previous court proceedings support Aheri’s claim to the community. According to him, the area has gradually been portrayed as being outside the traditional authority of the four ancient Ilaje kingdoms.
The former Head of Service also questioned the authority under which the Amapetu of Mahin crowned the Alara of Araromi Seaside, alleging that the action extended beyond Mahin’s traditional jurisdiction and affected territory claimed by Aheri.
Kudehinbu urged the state government to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the issues, stressing that matters relating to traditional boundaries and the status of communities, including Ipare, should be clearly defined through lawful processes to prevent future conflicts.
He further alleged that compensation paid to communities affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project was being distributed without adequate transparency, calling for greater accountability in the management of such funds.
The dispute over Araromi Seaside has remained a longstanding issue in Ilaje. While Aheri stakeholders maintain that the community is historically part of Aheri Kingdom, leaders in Araromi Seaside and Mahin have consistently rejected the claim, insisting that the community has long been under the traditional authority of the Amapetu of Mahin. The competing claims have featured in public debates and legal proceedings over the years.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Ondo State Government, the Amapetu of Mahin, the Alara of Araromi Seaside or the Aheri traditional council regarding Kudehinbu’s latest remarks.
