Ogun Government and Olisa Reject Viral Letter Naming Five Princes

…..Selection process remains suspended – Govt

By James Ogunnaike

Ogun State Government on Thursday dismissed a viral letter that was said to have been written by the Olisa of Ijebu‑Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, to Governor Dapo Abiodun. The letter allegedly recommended five princes for consideration as the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

The government urged the public to ignore the document, stating that the process for selecting a new Awujale remains suspended and that no official communication has been received from the relevant authorities about the exercise.

The disputed letter, dated April 14 but reportedly received on June 15, claimed that the kingmakers, acting under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and customary succession rules, had shortlisted five princes from whom Governor Abiodun was expected to make a final choice.

The princes named were Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga.

According to the alleged correspondence, the governor was urged to select the next Awujale from among these five nominees.

Responding to the claim, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, called the letter “inconsequential” and said it had no legal standing.

Akinmade reiterated that the state government had not changed its position on the suspension of the selection process, which was announced about six months ago.

He said: “The public should disregard the letter entirely. It does not in any way change the position of the government, which remains that the Awujale selection process is still under suspension.”

Explaining the statutory procedure for communicating decisions made by kingmakers, Akinmade said that any valid recommendation concerning the selection of a traditional ruler must be transmitted through official government channels.

He added, “The position of the law is clear. Any communication conveying the decision of kingmakers regarding the selection of a king must emanate from the local government and be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. It cannot come through an individual.”

He further noted: “As long as the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has not issued any contrary directive or statement, nothing has changed regarding the government’s position on the Awujale succession process.”

Meanwhile, Chief Adesanya distanced himself from the letter, denying any knowledge of its existence and suggesting that it could have been fabricated by individuals seeking to damage his reputation.

The Olisa told our correspondent in a telephone conversation, “I do not know anything about the letter you are referring to. I am not a party to it and I never authored such a document. There are people who may want to tarnish my reputation, but I have absolutely nothing to do with that letter.”

Similarly, the Chairman of Ijebu‑Ode Local Government, Mr. Dare Alebiosu, said he was unaware of the purported correspondence and could not confirm its authenticity.

It should be recalled that the Ogun State government suspended the process of selecting a new Awujale in January, following a wave of petitions, growing tension among stakeholders, and reports of procedural irregularities flagged by security agencies and other interested parties.

The former Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, died in July last year at the age of 91 after an illustrious reign of 65 years.

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