Group Urges Adeleke To Follow Due Process In Selection Of Next Onijabe, Warns Against Imposition

A human rights group, the Ijabe Solidarity Forum, has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke and relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to due process in the selection of the next Onijabe of Ijabe in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.

In a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, the forum’s coordinator, Abiola Awodele, said the revered traditional stool should not be subjected to imposition through money, influence or personal connections.

The group said the Onijabe stool represents the history, identity and heritage of Ijabe and must be filled in line with the established chieftaincy declaration and rotational arrangement guiding succession to the throne.

It expressed concern over alleged moves to truncate the recognised arrangement, insisting that the next occupant of the stool must emerge from the ruling house whose turn it is to produce the next Oba, as stipulated by tradition.

The forum noted that its position aligns with an earlier declaration by the Oloyan/Oluode Ruling House, which reportedly maintained that it is its turn to produce the next Onijabe and that no formal selection process has been announced by the kingmakers.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is the turn of Oloyan/Oluode Ruling House to produce the next Onijabe and not Olukoye Ruling House. This is in line with the well-established rotational arrangement and chieftaincy declaration guiding the Onijabe stool,” the group said.

It added that neither the Odo-Otin Local Government nor the Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has approved any candidate for the vacant stool following the demise of Oba Felix Oyeniyi Oyelade II.

The group stressed the need for thorough scrutiny of all persons aspiring to the throne, saying traditional rulers must be persons of unquestionable integrity and without any history that could bring the institution into disrepute.

“The Onijabe stool is not a commodity that can be purchased with money or secured through influence. It is a revered institution with a history that predates the ambitions of any individual. Whoever occupies that stool must emerge through the process established by the people and not through wealth, connections or self-proclamation.

READ ALSO

•UNIOSUN Emerges Nigeria’s Best State University In 2027 THE Global Ranking

“There should be proper scrutiny for anyone who will become the next Onijabe. We believe the people of Ijabe have the right to ask serious questions about the background of anyone being presented for such a revered traditional institution. The integrity and dignity of the Onijabe stool must be protected,” the statement noted.

According to the forum, protecting the dignity and sanctity of the Onijabe stool requires that the selection process goes beyond financial strength and popularity to focus on character, heritage and acceptability.

It therefore called on Governor Adeleke, the kingmakers, the Odo-Otin Local Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure transparency and resist any pressure capable of undermining tradition.

The forum also appealed to all interested parties and their supporters to maintain peace and allow the authorised institutions to conduct the selection process without interference.