Kingmakers, traditional chiefs, ruling houses and residents of Igbajo community in Boluwaduro Local Government of Osun State have shunned a letter by Osun State Government ordering fresh selection process in the town.

The Nation recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke sacked three monarchs, including Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun; Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri and Aree of Iree, Oba Ademola Ponle, as contained in the White Paper he issued last month. He also ordered fresh selection process.

Subsequently, Governor Adeleke, through Boluwaduro East Local Council Development Area, in a letter signed by the Director Admin and General Service, B. R. Ladapo, wrote to Owa-Oke-Ode ruling house to produce the next candidate(s) to fill the stool of Owa of Igbajo in accordance with the 2013 registered Chieftaincy Declaration governing the stool.

The community, including the six kingmakers, traditional chiefs and ruling houses, has objected to the directive of the government, noting that they cannot perform any traditional rite for anybody again after Oba Adegboyega Famodun.

The kingmakers, traditional chiefs, heads of ruling houses and leaders of Igbajo gathered in Osogbo to kick against the plan of the government, warning that the action may spell doom for the community.

Addressing reporters on behalf of the community, the Secretary of the ruling houses, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemo, said: “The re-selection order of Governor Adeleke for another Owa of Igbajo is oppressive, vindictive and vendetta-laden and against the rule of law, more so when the aggrieved princes are already challenging the emergence of Oba Phillips Adegboyega Famodun in a competent court of law via suit No. HIK/1/2023. Anger against Oba Famodun should not be passed on the community.” (The Nation)

Update news