'This must stop', Ogun monarch warns Ondo against unlawful chieftaincy installation

Irokun, Ogun – The Onirokun of Irokun Kingdom in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Buari Ola Balogun (Ogbelege IV), has called on the Ondo State government to stop the unlawful and illegal attempt to install a monarch over Irokun Kingdom, a land which historically, legally, constitutionally and politically belongs to Ogun State and not Ondo State.

In a statement sent on Monday to the governors of Ogun and Ondo states, copies made available to the deputy governors of both states, Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of both states, Commissioner of Police of both states, and the Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) of both states; Oba Balogun stated that this planned action, if not stopped, poses a grave risk of crisis, among the indigens, dwellers, and youths of the communities concerned in one part, and also between the indigens, the dwellers and the youths of the concerned communities and the prospect usurpers from Ondo state in the other part.

According to the statement which was released from the palace of the paramount ruler of Irokun Kingdom, Oba Balogun, “This call becomes necessary to prevent the unlawful and illegal attempt by Ondo State authorities under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to install a monarch over Irokun Kingdom, a land which historically, legally, constitutionally and politically belongs to Ogun State and not Ondo State

“This planned action, if not stopped, poses a grave risk of crisis, anarchy, and violent among the indigens, dwellers, and youths of the communities concerned in one part and also between the indigens, the dwellers, the youth of the concerned communities and the prospect usurpers from Ondo state in the other part.

“It will be recalled that on November 17, 2022, one Mr. Olowoniyi Abejoye was installed as Oba of Irokun Kingdom by the then deputy governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa who is now the governor. Barely three days later, the said Olowoniyi Abejoye passed away. Since then, Irokun Kingdom has been enjoying relative peace and stability.

“For clarity, over seven Onirokun rulers have legitimately sat on the throne before me, all duly recognised and installed by the Ogun State government, as gazetted and under the traditional authority of His Imperial Majesty, the Awujale of Ijebuland.

“I, as Onirokun of Irokun Kingdom, I am legally crowned by Ogun State government and have peacefully reigned for 18 years and still the Incumbent .

“Irokun Kingdom has never been part of Ondo State or Ilaje land from time immemorial. Our identity is Ijebu, and though Ilaje language may be spoken by some of the indigens and the dwellers, it is only part of our cultural heritage, mother tongue, not a determinant factor in any way of our political or territorial belonging.

“Credible intelligence report now confirms that a second illegal coronation is being planned for Sunday, August 31, with backing from Ondo State authorities, by Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and security operatives from Ondo State.

“This act is capable of plunging Irokun Kingdom and its neighbouring communities into unrest, chaos and anarchy that will ultimately lead to serious bloodshed.

“This must be stopped. Irokun is in Ogun State and any attempt by Ondo State to annex it through chieftaincy imposition is an assault on our heritage, our peace and the sovereignty of Ogun State.

“I, therefore, call on all relevant authorities, security agencies, and the Nigerian public to intervene swiftly to avert this looming danger.”