Awujale Stool: Jadiara Royal Family Rejects Ikokore Reporters’ Three-Candidate Proposal, Seeks Probe of Alleged Palace Threat
Awujale Stool: Jadiara Royal Family Rejects Ikokore Reporters’ Three-Candidate Proposal, Seeks Probe of Alleged Palace Threat
The Jadiara Royal Family has rejected a publication proposing Bode Onanuga, Bimbo Onabanjo and Folu Aderibigbe as three candidates to be presented for Ifa consultation in the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland, describing the suggestion as misleading, speculative and lacking the authority of the institutions responsible for the succession process.
In a statement signed by Pa A. Mosuro, the family reacted to an Ikokore Reporters editorial titled, “Awujale Throne: The Three-Candidate Option for Ifa Consultation,” insisting that the publication should not be interpreted as representing the official position of the Funsegbuwa Ruling House, the kingmakers or any other recognised body involved in selecting the next Awujale.
According to the Jadiara Royal Family, a media organisation has no traditional, statutory or customary authority to determine which aspirants should be shortlisted or presented for Ifa consultation in the Awujale succession process.
The family maintained that editorial opinion, irrespective of how strongly expressed, cannot replace procedures established by applicable laws, customs and traditions governing succession to the revered Awujale stool.
It particularly faulted the suggestion that Bode Onanuga, Bimbo Onabanjo and Folu Aderibigbe represent a generally accepted three-candidate consensus, arguing that such a position would require credible evidence and endorsement from the appropriate traditional institutions before it could legitimately be presented as the position of the ruling house or the wider Ijebu community.
The family consequently cautioned members of the public against confusing media advocacy or editorial recommendations with official decisions of the institutions constitutionally and traditionally responsible for the succession process.
It also rejected suggestions that recent developments within Ijebuland constitute evidence of a coordinated attempt to weaken the authority of whoever eventually emerges as the next Awujale.
According to the family, allegations of a deliberate conspiracy or “gang-up” against the Awujale institution require substantial evidence and should not be presented as established facts on the basis of speculation or political interpretation.
The Jadiara Royal Family stressed that the selection of an Awujale is too important to be reduced to media campaigns for preferred aspirants, political pressure or attempts to create the impression that only certain individuals are acceptable for the throne.
It maintained that every aspirant who considers himself legitimately qualified should be assessed strictly in accordance with the applicable declaration, customs, traditions and laws governing the stool.
The family further rejected any suggestion that candidates outside the three names promoted in the publication should automatically be considered unacceptable, describing such an approach as capable of prejudicing a process that should ultimately be determined by recognised traditional and statutory institutions.
It specifically argued that mentioning other aspirants, including Ademorin Kuye, in what it considered a dismissive manner without their eligibility first being determined through the recognised process would not promote fairness, reconciliation or peace within the ruling house.
The Jadiara Royal Family therefore urged journalists, bloggers, political actors and interested groups to exercise restraint in their coverage and commentary on the Awujale succession process.
It warned that presenting speculation, personal preferences and unverified political interpretations as established traditional decisions could deepen divisions at a period when stakeholders should be promoting peace, unity and respect for due process.
The family also maintained that the Ogun State Government should not be subjected to pressure through speculative narratives or unsubstantiated accusations.
According to the statement, whatever responsibility is assigned to the state government under relevant laws should be exercised transparently and impartially, while the ruling house, kingmakers and other recognised traditional institutions should equally be allowed to perform their responsibilities without intimidation or undue interference.
The family further cautioned against creating fear among Ijebu people or suggesting, without compelling evidence, that the authority and institution of the Awujale are being systematically undermined during the current vacancy.
It urged the public to rely on verified information and official communications from institutions directly involved in the succession process rather than treating partisan publications, individual opinions or editorial preferences as authoritative pronouncements.
The Jadiara Royal Family also expressed concern over references in the Ikokore Reporters publication to the possibility of unrest, particularly suggestions concerning the Awujale Palace being set ablaze if certain outcomes did not emerge from the succession process.
Describing such references as serious, the family said anyone possessing credible information about threats to public peace, security or the Awujale Palace should immediately provide such information to the appropriate security agencies for investigation.
Against this background, the family called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite the publishers of Ikokore Reporters to clarify the basis of the assertions and disclose the source of any information concerning an alleged threat to the palace.
It explained that such clarification would help reassure the public and prevent fear, speculation or misinformation from threatening peace and stability across Ijebuland.
“An editorial opinion cannot determine who becomes Awujale, nor can it manufacture a three-candidate consensus where the competent traditional institutions have not publicly established one. The process must be allowed to run according to law, custom and due process,” the family stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, due process, established customs and preservation of the dignity of the Awujale institution, the Jadiara Royal Family said the overriding objective should be the lawful emergence of a new Awujale with legitimacy and the confidence of the people of Ijebuland.
It consequently urged Ijebu people to remain calm, reject unauthenticated claims and allow the recognised succession process to proceed without misinformation, unnecessary pressure or interference.
