Awujale: Ogun govt, Olisa disown viral letter naming five princes
…..Selection process remains suspended – Govt
By James Ogunnaike
Ogun State Government on Thursday dismissed a viral letter purportedly written by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, to Governor Dapo Abiodun, recommending five princes for consideration as the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The government called on members of the public to disregard the document, insisting that the process for selecting a new Awujale remains suspended, emphasising that no official communication has been received from the appropriate authorities regarding the exercise.
The controversial letter, dated April 14, but reportedly acknowledged as received on June 15, claimed that the kingmakers, acting in accordance with Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary laws governing succession to the Awujale stool, had shortlisted five princes from whom Governor Dapo Abiodun was expected to make a final choice.
The princes listed in the letter are Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga.
According to the purported correspondence, the governor was urged to select the next Awujale from among the five nominees.
However, reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, described the letter as inconsequential and lacking any legal standing.
Akinmade maintained that the state government had not altered its position on the suspension of the selection process, which was announced about six months ago.
He said: “The public should disregard the letter entirely. It does not in any way change the position of the government, which remains that the Awujale selection process is still under suspension.”
Explaining the statutory procedure for communicating decisions reached by kingmakers, Akinmade stated that any valid recommendation concerning the selection of a traditional ruler must be transmitted through official government channels.
According to him, “the position of the law is clear. Any communication conveying the decision of kingmakers regarding the selection of a king must emanate from the local government and be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. It cannot come through an individual.”
He added: “As long as the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has not issued any contrary directive or statement, nothing has changed regarding the government’s position on the Awujale succession process.”
Meanwhile, Chief Adesanya distanced himself from the letter, denying any knowledge of its existence and suggesting that it could have been fabricated by individuals seeking to damage his reputation.
The Olisa, in a telephone conversation, told our correspondent that “I do not know anything about the letter you are referring to. I am not a party to it and I never authored such a document. There are people who may want to tarnish my reputation, but I have absolutely nothing to do with that letter.”
Similarly, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr. Dare Alebiosu, said he was unaware of the purported correspondence and could not confirm its authenticity.
It will be recalled that the Ogun State government, in January, suspended the process of selecting a new Awujale following a wave of petitions, growing tension among stakeholders, and reports of procedural irregularities flagged by security agencies and other interested parties.
The former Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, passed away in July last year at the age of 91 after an illustrious reign spanning 65 years.
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