Ogboja Descendants Deny Allegations of Bias Against Ibarapa Central LG Chair over Onipako Selection Process
The Ogboja Descendants hereby issue this formal statement in response to allegations circulated by certain self-acclaimed kingmakers accusing the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Olusola Adeleke of bias in the ongoing Onipako selection process.
These allegations are wholly unfounded, misleading, and represent a serious distortion of the facts. At all times material to the process, the Executive Chairman has acted with strict neutrality, fairness, and full compliance with due process as required under the Chiefs Law of Oyo State and the established customs and traditions governing the Pako Chieftaincy Stool.
His role has been administrative and supervisory in accordance with statutory responsibility, without prejudice, interference, or personal interest.
Pako is one of six distinct autonomous towns that have existed since the eighteenth century. The Baale of Pako became a recognised Part II Chief under the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, as published in the Oyo State Government Gazette of 27 January 1998 (p. 400).
The Baale of Pako stool, founded over two centuries ago by Princess Ogboja of Oyo Town, operates a clearly defined rotational system among three recognised ruling houses: Omoni, Ajon (also known as Ajuwon), and Tubi.
This rotational structure is formally documented in a Certified True Copy issued by the Chieftaincy Department on 17 December 2010 titled “Rotational System of Baale Pako Chieftaincy Title.”
Following the demise of Baale Lamidi Olayide Akinyemi of the Tubi Ruling House in 2013, the Chairman/Secretary of the Kingmakers duly notified Ibarapa Central Local Government.
The Local Government in turn informed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters by letter dated 17 October 2013 (Ref: IFLG.238/1(E) 83) and was directed to follow due process in filling the vacancy.
In line with the established rotational arrangement, the Local Government formally wrote to the next ruling house in succession, the Omoni Ruling House, by letter dated 9 April 2014 (Ref: IBCLG/238/148), requesting the nomination of a candidate.
The Omoni Ruling House convened and unanimously presented Prince Lateef Akintola Okesola on 15 April 2014. The Jagun, acting as Regent and Chairman of the Kingmakers, communicated this nomination accordingly.
However, prior to installation, a High Court action (Suit No. HER/8/2014) was instituted by members of the Olugbite Amodu and Okoromode Aremu families, who claimed entitlement to the stool.
That suit was struck out, thereby affirming the subsisting rotational framework. Consequently, the Regent was authorised to proceed with the selection process by correspondence dated 30 April 2015 (Ref: IBCLG/238/198).
In compliance with the court’s decision, the Local Government again wrote to the Omoni Ruling House on 6 April 2016 (Ref: IBCLG/232/1/E/211) and to the Jagun/Chairman of Kingmakers on 15 April 2016 (Ref: IBCLG/232/1/E/218) to recommence the nomination process.
The Omoni Ruling House reaffirmed its unanimous nomination of Prince Lateef Akintola Okesola in April 2016, and the Regent duly forwarded the nomination to the Local Government.
It is also important to note that Chief Moyofola Ishola Ajibode, the recognised Regent and Chairman of Kingmakers, had earlier been formally acknowledged by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters by letter dated 4 February 2013 (Ref: CB.141/175/18/Vol.IT/30).
Despite this recognition, the Pako Chiefs in Council have at various times failed to accord him due recognition in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Historically, voting as a method of selection has occurred only once in the history of the Baale of Pako stool, in August 1986, when two candidates (Prince Lamidi Olayide Akinyemi and Prince Okesola Ishola) were presented from the same ruling house (Tubi). On that occasion, Prince Lamidi Olayide Akinyemi emerged through a voting process conducted by the Pako Chiefs in Council.
This precedent clearly establishes that voting is applicable only where more than one candidate is presented from the same recognised ruling house. Under no established custom or tradition has voting been adopted where a single unanimous candidate is presented by the ruling house entitled to produce the Baale.
Presently, it is the turn of the Omoni Ruling House under the recognised rotational system. Only one unanimous candidate, Prince Lateef Akintola Okesola, has been presented. Accordingly, the issue of voting does not arise.
To introduce candidates from multiple ruling houses simultaneously would constitute a fundamental breach of the long-established rotational tradition and an unwarranted departure from customary law.
In fairness to both past and present Honourable Commissioners of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, as well as the current Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, it must be placed on record that every reasonable effort has been made within the bounds of law and tradition to resolve these issues. The suggestion that the Chairman has acted with bias is therefore not only inaccurate but unjustified.
Disagreements in traditional succession matters are not uncommon; however, such disputes must be pursued through lawful and dignified channels. Attempts to inflame public opinion through social media or radio platforms, or to distort historical lineage and established procedure, do not serve the interest of Pako and risk undermining communal harmony.
The Ogboja Descendants remain steadfast in their commitment to transparency, due process, and the preservation of the integrity of the Pako Chieftaincy Stool. We call upon all stakeholders to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law, and allow the lawful and customary process to proceed to its proper conclusion in the interest of peace, unity, and progress.
E-Signed:
Chief Oladoja Isiaka Adeniran, JP
Chairman,
Prince Okesola Richard Oladepo
Secretary,
For and on behalf of the Ogboja Descendants
