Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo Accuses Ijebu Ode Chiefs of Undermining Sacred Protocol
A fresh traditional crisis is looming in Ijebuland as His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo, PhD, the Olokine of Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo, has publicly condemned attempts by High Chiefs in Ijebu Ode to appoint a Regent to lead the Ijebu Traditional Council, warning that such a move violates established protocols and disrespects the sacred office of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
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Speaking during a condolence visit by members of the Ojowo Traditional Council, Oba Banjo expressed grave concerns over recent reports — including one published by Punch Newspapers — which alleged that High Chiefs in Ijebu Ode were already taking steps to install a regent merely days after the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCFR, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland.
“While Ijebu Ode has the customary right to appoint a regent within its town, such a person cannot and must not assume the role of President of the Ijebu Traditional Council. Only a substantive Awujale holds that authority,” Oba Banjo declared.
He described any such attempt as legally baseless and insensitive to the current period of mourning, warning that it risks undermining the unity and stability carefully preserved during the late Awujale’s reign.
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“An Insult to Ijebuland’s Collective Grief”
The monarch emphasised that Ijebuland — and indeed Nigeria — is still mourning the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose contributions to traditional governance, education, and economic progress remain unparalleled. He stressed that rushing to appoint a regent with ambitions beyond Ijebu Ode borders disrespects both custom and decency.
“If Ijebu Ode is in haste to install a regent, they must recognize the clear distinction between the office of the Awujale and that of the Traditional Council. The latter operates within specific legal frameworks that cannot be overridden by any town or chief,” Olokine warned.
He noted that his position reflects the shared sentiment of traditional rulers and stakeholders across Ijebuland, urging restraint and adherence to due process.
Potential Implications for Ijebu State Agitation
Oba Banjo further warned that this misstep could have grave social, economic, and political consequences, especially at a time when Ijebuland continues to agitate for recognition as a distinct state within Nigeria’s federation.
He described the actions of the Ijebu Ode Chiefs as mere “microphone testing” that risks disrupting the carefully nurtured unity and legacy left by the late monarch.
Call for Government Intervention
Expressing confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, Oba Banjo urged the Ogun State Government to disregard any claim by Ijebu Ode Chiefs attempting to assume control of the Ijebu Traditional Council through regency.
In his closing remarks, the Olokine prayed for peace and unity across Ijebuland as it prepares for a new era, guided by the established succession frameworks instituted by the late Awujale.