The Ijebu Progressive Front (IPF) has commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for reinstating the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, and reconstituting the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC), describing the decisions as lawful, well-considered and consistent with the traditional hierarchy of Ijebuland.
In a statement issued in Ijebu-Ode and signed by its Secretary, Alhaji Musediku Aderibigbe, the group said the governor’s actions reflected the authority vested in the state government, the outcome of its investigation into issues surrounding the Olisa and the established customs and traditions of Ijebuland.
The group maintained that the Olisa was appointed by the Ogun State Government and, as such, remains an appointee of the government, which has the authority to investigate allegations against him, determine his suitability and take appropriate administrative decisions concerning his appointment in accordance with applicable laws.
While acknowledging that the Olisa had disagreements with the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, IPF argued that such disagreements did not invalidate his appointment or automatically disqualify him from performing his traditional responsibilities.
It noted that the state government had investigated the issues and subsequently exonerated him, stressing that the outcome of the investigation should be respected in determining his continued role in the traditional institution.
According to the group, the Olisa occupies a recognised position in the traditional hierarchy of Ijebuland and, by virtue of the relevant traditional arrangements and applicable laws, ranks immediately after the Awujale.
It explained that following the withdrawal of the Ogbeni Oja from the interregnum administrative arrangement established by the government, while other prominent members remained on the council, the government appointed the Olisa to the position in recognition of his traditional standing and responsibilities.
The group expressed confidence that with the Olisa now leading the reconstituted AIAC, in keeping with Ijebu-Ode customs and traditions, the process of selecting a new Awujale would be conducted in a manner that would command respect and bring pride to Ijebuland and Nigeria.
It also expressed confidence in the integrity and capacity of members of the reconstituted council, saying their participation reflected the government’s determination to entrust the management of the traditional institution to individuals with the requisite experience, standing and respect within the community.
On the reported emergence of a group known as Adele Oba Awujale, IPF aligned itself with the position of the Ogun State Government, arguing that the group lacked recognition under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration and existing chieftaincy legislation in the state.
The group maintained that any arrangement relating to the Awujale institution must be guided by the recognised traditional framework and applicable laws, rather than structures without established legal or customary standing.
It urged members of the reconstituted council to justify the confidence reposed in them by the state government by discharging their responsibilities with diligence, impartiality and respect for the customs and traditions of Ijebuland.
