The leaders of 52 communities which formed Ogunmakin town in Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State on Thursday affirmed that they have the authority to decide who becomes the next traditional ruler of the town after the death of Oba James Sodiya in 2023.
The elders, led by Chief Olutayo Pius Adewale made this known during a press conference held at the Penpushing Media Conference Hall, Abeokuta.
The village heads alleged that Ikereku traditional council was attempting to impose a non-indigene, identified as Ramoni Busari popularly called ‘Jawe,’ as the next Oba of the community situated between Oyo and Ogun states boundary
The elders explained that, as part of their traditional responsibilities, they have identified three candidates from Ladijo, Adeniyi and Ogunmakin villages.
They listed the contestants as Seye Olaogun from Ladijo village, Sunday Akinwande from Adeniyi village and Saheed Ogunmakin from Ogunmakin community. They said these three would be screened at the appropriate time.
Adewale added that any of the candidates found most qualified would be presented to the traditional ruler of Obafemi, who oversees the jurisdiction, and would subsequently present the candidate to the Egba traditional council
The Regent of Ogunmakin, Chief Oke Oladipupo, appealed to the Egba traditional Council and Ogun State Government not to fold their arms, to forestall losing the community to Ibadanland, as in the case of Bakatari.
The regent explained that the 52 villages that formed Ilupeju-Oja-Egbejoda-Ogunmakin should be responsible for the selection of the new Olu Ogunmakin, not imposition by the Ikereku traditional council.
He emphasized that Ogunmakin was at no time under Ibadan or Oyo Traditional Council, stating that the alleged impostor, Busari came around in 2010 during the selection process of late Oba Sodiya but was disqualified following discovery that he was not an indigene.
The villagers later took their grievances to the door step of Governor Dapo Abiodun at Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta in a peaceful manner with various placards of complaints, and were received by the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy, who enjoined them to equally present their displeasure to Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
