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The Owa-In-Council and the kingmakers of Igbajoland have affirmed that the process that produced their traditional ruler, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, Famodun 111 followed all laid down guidelines in the Owa of Igbajo Chieftaincy selection.
The kingmakers, in a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo on Tuesday, urged Governor Ademola Adeleke not to do anything that will disrupt the peace and tranquillity existing in the town.
The kingmakers that signed the statement are: Chief Obala Iloro, Chief Odofin Iloro, Chief Lemikan, Chief Odofin and Chief Saloro of Igbajo.
The statement read: “The declaration that have been in use in the town recognises two lineages; Omo Owa Oke (with nine ruling houses) and Omo Owa Isale (with seven ruling houses). What the chieftaincy declaration stipulates is that if the throne becomes vacant, it will be either the turn of Owa Oke or Owa Isale to fill the vacancy without specifying any order of rotation among the ruling houses.
“The last Owa, late Oba Olufemi Fasade, who joined his ancestors on the 23rd of December, 2020 was from the Owa Isale side, while it was only the ruling houses from Owa Oke that were asked to bring forth Omo Oye before we picked the front liner amongst them.
“Please note that there was nowhere in the declaration that states that it is this or that ruling house that must be favoured but rather all the interested Princes were given a level playing ground before the emergence of one.”
The kingmakers faulted the claim by Governor Adeleke that his predecessor appointed their king in his last week in office.
According to them, apart from the fact that it is the constitutional duties of Oyetola to perform the duty of a governor until his last day in office, there have been precedents in the state.
“This was not the first time such will happen because he has the power and authority to take decisions till his last day in office,” they said.
The kingmakers cited the example of Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Kayode Oyedotun, Bibire 1, who was appointed at the twilight of the administration of governor Adebisi Akande, specifically four days to the expiration of his tenure and that his predecessor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola did not because of that annul the appointment.
“And on the announcement of the appointment or selection of Oba Adegboyega Famodun, Famodun 111, nobody can say that a fly was hurt in Igbajo. We all accepted his choice because we know it is only God that chooses kings.
“The presentation of the Staff of Office followed three days after completion of traditional rites and Ipebi program. Visitors to Igbajo on Thursday 24th of November, 2022 will clearly see the joy and happiness radiating within the town and its people; it was unprecedented,” they added.
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