The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with the Ijebu Ode Local Government, has dismissed as false and misleading a social media report alleging the suspension of some prominent traditional chiefs in Ijebuland.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the two authorities described the claims as the handiwork of mischief makers bent on sowing confusion and discord within the traditional institution and among the people of Ijebuland.
The report had alleged that the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla; the Lapoekun of Ijebuland, Chief Tunde Odulaja; and the Madasa of Ijebuland, Chief Lekan Oshifeso, had been suspended from the Council of Chiefs.
However, the government authorities categorically refuted the claim, stating that no such suspension has been effected or approved by any recognised traditional institution or by the Ogun State Government.
According to the statement, chieftaincy matters in the state are guided strictly by established laws, customs, and due process, none of which has been initiated against the named chiefs.
“The public should therefore disregard the false report and rely only on official government channels for accurate and credible information on chieftaincy affairs,” the statement advised.
Great Achiever Magazine reports that the press release was jointly signed by the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
Dated January 23, 2025, the statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of traditional institutions and maintaining peace and harmony across Ijebuland and the state at large.
