The Molebi of Gbobamu Community in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government of Osun State, has rejected the reported installation of Mr. Serif Oyedokun as the new Olugbobamu, describing the process as unlawful and contrary to established traditional procedures.
In a press statement issued by the community leadership headed by Chief Francis Farinde Baale Ologele and Mr Sodiq Rasheed said the action was neither recognised nor supported by the four recognised ruling houses in Gbobamu.
According to the statement, the succession process to the stool of Olugbobamu is governed by the existing 1983 Chieftaincy Declaration, which provides for a rotational arrangement among the four recognised ruling houses of Ologele, Oyamakinde, Oke and Fagbayibi.
The community maintained that the declaration, contained in the records of the competent local government committee meeting held in July 1983, remains valid and binding in determining succession to the traditional stool.
The Molebi further reiterated that High Chief Johnson Ojo Oladapo remains the recognised and lawful Olugbobamu and Baale of Gbobamu Community.
The statement noted that the position earlier communicated to the Olobu Palace—that there was no vacancy in the stool—remains unchanged.
The community alleged that the installation of Mr. Oyedokun failed to follow the provisions of the 1983 Chieftaincy Declaration and did not comply with the legal and customary procedures guiding the nomination and installation of minor chiefs under the Osun State Chiefs Law.
According to the statement, the process allegedly excluded recognised ruling houses and lacked the consultations traditionally required for succession matters.
The Molebi also called on all recognised traditional office holders and members of the Gbobamu-in-Council, including the Jagun and Bara of Gbobamu, to return to the council in the interest of peace, unity and preservation of the community’s traditions.
Reaffirming the identity of Gbobamu as an autonomous community with its own traditional structure and customs, the statement urged relevant institutions, including the Irepodun/Orolu Traditional Council, Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, and government agencies responsible for local government and chieftaincy affairs, to intervene and discourage actions capable of creating tension within the community.
The community also appealed to security agencies to ensure peace and prevent any form of intimidation, harassment or coercion directed at High Chief Ojo Oladapo and members of the Molebi.
While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful engagement and respect for due process, the Molebi stated that no authority or individual should act in a manner that undermines existing chieftaincy regulations or established customary practices.
The statement concluded that the community remains committed to preserving harmony and lawful traditional governance within Ilobu and Osun State at large.
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