Awujale Stool: Ijebu Land League of Professional Men Calls for Investigation into Ikokore Reporters, Urges Calm Over Succession Process
Awujale Stool: Ijebu Land League of Professional Men Calls for Investigation into Ikokore Reporters, Urges Calm Over Succession Process
The Ijebu Land League of Professional Men, led by Adeboye Shonaiya, has called for an immediate investigation and possible disciplinary action against Ikokore Reporters by both the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the national leadership of the union over what it described as a potentially inflammatory publication concerning the ongoing Awujale of Ijebuland succession process.
The group expressed concern that the report and editorial content attributed to Ikokore Reporters could heighten tensions in Ijebuland at a sensitive period, warning that such narratives, if left unchecked, may trigger avoidable unrest within the community.
In a statement issued by the League, Adeboye Shonaiya emphasized that journalism must be guided by responsibility, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity, particularly when reporting on traditional institutions and royal succession matters in Nigeria.
He noted that the Awujale of Ijebuland stool is a highly revered traditional institution, and any publication capable of inciting division, suspicion, or instability must be thoroughly reviewed by relevant professional and regulatory bodies.
According to the League, the NUJ at both state and national levels should urgently examine the conduct of Ikokore Reporters to determine whether its publications comply with the ethics of journalism and the professional standards expected of media practitioners in Nigeria.
The group maintained that disciplinary action, where necessary, would serve as a deterrent to media organizations that may attempt to destabilize peaceful communities through speculative, misleading, or unverified reporting.
The League further appealed to all stakeholders in Ijebuland to remain calm and avoid being influenced by narratives capable of undermining peace, unity, and stability in the land.
It emphasized that what Ijebuland needs at this critical moment is a mature, respected, and well-grounded traditional ruler who can promote development, unity, and progress, rather than a succession process influenced by manipulation or division.
Adeboye Shonaiya stated that the integrity of the Awujale institution must be preserved at all costs, warning that attempts to politicize or trivialize the succession process could weaken public trust in traditional governance structures in Ijebuland.
He added that the emergence of the next Awujale should be guided strictly by due process, wisdom, and respect for tradition, ensuring that whoever ascends the throne commands genuine respect and is capable of uniting all segments of Ijebuland.
The League also urged journalists, bloggers, and media organizations to exercise restraint and verify information before publication, especially on issues relating to cultural heritage, traditional leadership, and royal succession in Nigeria.
It warned that sensational reporting or unverified claims could inflame tensions and create unnecessary conflict among the people of Ijebuland.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability, the Ijebu Land League of Professional Men called on security agencies, traditional authorities, and media regulators to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing any situation that could disrupt harmony in Ijebuland.
The group concluded by urging all sons and daughters of Ijebuland to prioritize peace, unity, and the collective interest of the land above personal or sectional interests, stressing that the dignity of the Awujale of Ijebuland stool must never be compromised.
