The Olokine of Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo, in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Alaiyeluwa Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo, PhD, has issued a stern warning to the Ijebu Ode High Chiefs, stating that the Ijebu Ode Regent cannot act as the President of the Ijebu Traditional Council.
This cautionary statement was made in response to a report from Punch Newspapers, which was brought to his attention by members of the Ojowo Traditional Council who had come to offer their condolences on the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCFR, after his 65-year reign.
Speaking on the matter, Oba Banjo emphasized, “It is too early for Ijebu Ode Chiefs to appoint a Regent when it is not even eight days after the President of the Ijebu Traditional Council joined his ancestors.”
He further admonished the chiefs to cease such actions, highlighting that the mourning was not confined to Ijebu Ode alone but was a national affair, given the late Awujale’s unparalleled contributions to social, economic, and educational development.
Oba Banjo also suggested that if there was an urgency to appoint a Regent in Ijebu Ode, the office of Awujale should be separated from that of the Ijebu Traditional Council, whose administration is governed by law.
He stated, “If they are in a hurry in Ijebu Ode to appoint a Regent, the office of Awujale should be separated from that of the Ijebu Traditional Council.”
The Olokine of Ojowo clarified that his stance on this issue was personal, but he was confident that the Ijebu Traditional Council would mourn the late Awujale’s passing appropriately and would not take orders from any minor Chief appointed, regardless of the status conferred upon that Chief.
Oba Banjo commended the late Awujale for establishing a robust succession plan aimed at promoting and protecting the unity of Ijebu land, which he had worked tirelessly to build over 65 years. He cautioned against the idea of the Awujale’s Regent acting as President of the Ijebu Traditional Council, describing it as “microphone testing” and warning that it could have far-reaching social, economic, and political implications for the unity of Ijebu land.
He expressed deep confidence that the law-abiding Ogun State Governor would uphold the rule of law on this matter and disregard the position being advocated by the Ijebu Ode Chiefs.
Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo also prayed for the continued peace and progress of Ijebu land following the passing of the late Awujale.
