Obaship tussle: Kingmakers warn against self-imposition in Ogun border community

The Ikolaje-Idiroko Council of Kingmakers in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State has warned against self-imposition, affirming that it has not elected anyone as the new Oniko of Ikolaje-Idiroko.

This is even as the council said it was aware of social media posts suggesting that an individual was appointed to fill the vacant stool.

The Oniko stool became vacant in May 2025, following the demise of the late Oba John Ojo.

As the border community concluded the traditional burial rites, the process of the selection of a new monarch began. Three persons from the Odunfa Ruling House were said to have indicated interest in the stool.

In a statement on Monday, the kingmakers said they were aware of social media posts stating that a new Oniko had emerged, describing this as untrue.

“The attention of the Ikolaje-Idiroko Council of Kingmakers in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State has been drawn to social media reports claiming that a particular individual has emerged as the Oniko-elect.

“The council wishes to categorically state that no candidate has been elected as the new Oniko of Ikolaje, as the kingmakers are yet to conduct the required election to select a successor to the vacant stool,” they said.

According to the statement jointly signed by the kingmakers, including the Aro, Oloorode Mathew; the Balogun, Daniel Edun; the Eselu, Fadeyi Kamoru; the Ojusu, Akinbode Anthony; and the Ogboni Oosa, Samson Orobiyi, it was stated that three princes applied for the stool.

The candidates are Sunday Olayode, Jonah Olagorioye, and Adebotiwa Ade.

The statement added that, given the situation where three contestants applied, an election must be conducted to determine who becomes the next monarch of the town.

For the avoidance of doubt, more than one prince applied for the revered throne through the Odunfa Ruling House, which is the next ruling house entitled to produce the Oniko of Ikolaje.

“In line with tradition and established procedure, where there is more than one qualified applicant, the kingmakers are mandated to conduct an election under the supervision of the Ipokia Local Government.

“The candidate who secures the highest number of votes will automatically emerge as the Oba-elect,” the statement noted.

It added that the election was supposed to be held on Monday, but the local government postponed it, citing security concerns.

It is important to note that the election earlier scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Ipokia Local Government secretariat could not be held.

“This followed advice from the Secretary to the Local Government, who cited security concerns as the reason for the cancellation,” the kingmakers disclosed.

The council, therefore, urged indigenes of Ikolaje-Idiroko to remain calm, law-abiding, and patient while continuing to repose confidence in the kingmakers.

“The selection process is simple and straightforward, and we remain committed to doing what is right and in the best interest of the community.

“For clarity, the princes currently contesting for the vacant Oniko stool are Prince Sunday Adekambi Olayode, Prince Jonah Ariori Olagorioye, and Prince Adebotiwa Ade.

“The council assures the community that it will be adequately informed and carried along as developments unfold,” the statement concluded.

Culled from punch