Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has debunked reports suggesting a confrontation between him and the Council of Afobajes over the ongoing Awujale selection process, describing such claims as false, misleading and the handiwork of mischief makers.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, the governor clarified that his recent engagement with the Council of Afobajes was a cordial and consultative meeting, held in the overall interest of peace, unity and progress of traditional institutions in Ijebuland.
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According to the statement, Governor Abiodun’s meeting with the Afobajes was consistent with his long-standing approach to resolving sensitive traditional matters through dialogue and inclusiveness. It recalled that similar consultations with the Olori Ebis in the past helped to ease tensions within the traditional structure and even led to the withdrawal of a court case by one of the kingmakers.
“The discussions were centred on matters of mutual concern and how best to safeguard the integrity and progress of traditional affairs in Ijebuland,” the statement noted.
The government also categorically denied claims that the governor issued threats or ultimatums during the meeting. Reports quoting him as saying “No Kuye, No Awujale” were described as entirely fabricated and disconnected from both the governor’s person and the philosophy of his administration.
“There was no confrontation. No Afobaje can attest to such an occurrence because it simply did not happen,” the statement stressed, adding that the false narratives were deliberately concocted to mislead the public and stir unnecessary controversy.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to due process, respect for the autonomy of traditional institutions, and the preservation of cultural values.
The statement emphasized that the governor holds the revered throne of the Awujale in very high esteem, a regard he has consistently demonstrated through his actions and policies.
Members of the public, traditional stakeholders and the media were urged to ignore unfounded insinuations and rely only on verified information from credible and official sources.
