A human rights group, the Ijabe Solidarity Forum, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to ensure that due process and the established rotation system guide the emergence of the next Onijabe of Ijabe in Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
The forum’s coordinator, Abiola Awodele, in a statement on Wednesday, warned against any attempt to impose a candidate on the town through financial inducement or political influence.
Awodele said the Onijabe stool is a sacred heritage that embodies the history and identity of Ijabe people and must not be treated as a commodity for the highest bidder.
The group expressed worry over alleged plots to jettison the chieftaincy declaration guiding the stool, insisting that tradition must prevail over personal ambition.
It said available records show it is the turn of the Oloyan/Oluode Ruling House to produce the next Onijabe and not the Olukoye Ruling House, in line with the long-standing rotational arrangement.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is the turn of Oloyan/Oluode Ruling House to produce the next Onijabe and not Olukoye Ruling House. This is in line with the well-established rotational arrangement and chieftaincy declaration guiding the Onijabe stool,” the forum stated.
The group noted that no formal selection exercise has been announced by the kingmakers, and neither the Odo-Otin Local Government nor the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has approved any candidate since the demise of Oba Felix Oyeniyi Oyelade II.
It therefore stressed that beyond rotation, the character and background of any aspirant must be thoroughly scrutinised before consideration.
“The Onijabe stool is not a commodity that can be purchased with money or secured through influence. It is a revered institution with a history that predates the ambitions of any individual. Whoever occupies that stool must emerge through the process established by the people,” the statement said.
The forum added: “There should be proper scrutiny for anyone who will become the next Onijabe. The people of Ijabe have the right to ask serious questions about the background of anyone being presented. The integrity and dignity of the Onijabe stool must be protected.”
It urged Governor Adeleke, the kingmakers and chieftaincy authorities to ensure transparency, while appealing to all stakeholders to maintain peace and allow due process to run its course.
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