Members of the Osugbo Society in Ijebu-Ode have appealed to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to urgently reconstitute the Council of Afobajes, the traditional kingmakers responsible for selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland. The society said the move is necessary to restore transparency, credibility, and public confidence in the selection process.
The call was made on Tuesday during the Osugbo Society’s first meeting of 2026, held in Ijebu-Ode. At the meeting, members expressed strong dissatisfaction over the alleged involvement of individuals in the selection process without adequate background checks, warning that such actions could undermine the integrity of the revered institution.
Speaking on behalf of the society, the Oluwo Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode, Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare, criticised the exclusion of the Osugbo Society from the process, despite its recognition as the third authority in the traditional hierarchy, as clearly stated in the 1957 constitution of Ijebuland. He noted that the absence of credible and principled individuals among the kingmakers had fueled allegations of financial inducement and corruption.
According to him, proper scrutiny of those appointed as kingmakers would have prevented the current controversy. He urged the government to appoint only individuals of proven integrity, stressing that the process should not be left in the hands of those he described as unfaithful to tradition and public trust.
The Oluwo further appealed to the governor to formally recognise the Osugbo Society as a statutory member of the Council of Afobajes, emphasizing that the 1957 constitution explicitly recognizes the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as part of the council. He explained that the society had already written to the governor to demand the enforcement of this provision, adding that resistance from certain quarters had triggered protests.
He, however, commended the Ogun State Government for suspending the Awujale selection process, noting that mounting tensions and agitations could have disrupted peace in Ijebu-Ode if the process had continued unchecked. According to him, the governor’s intervention helped avert a potential crisis and preserved stability in the ancient town.
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