Kingmakers in Ido-Osun, in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, have debunked reports that a prince has been nominated for the vacant Olojudo of Ido-Osun stool.
The last Olojudo, Oba (Arch.) Aderemi Adedapo, joined his ancestors on May 17, 2024 after spending 19 years on the throne. He was the secretary of Yoruba Council of Obas in Nigeria until his demise.
His burial ceremony in July paved the way for commencement of the contest to fill the vacant stool after rites were done.
Since then, 18 princes have signified interest in mounting the throne of their forefathers.
However, there were reports that the kingmakers had nominated one of the 18 princes for the vacant stool, which is currently raising a dust in the community.
To forestall any breakdown of law and order, Osun State Government through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Dosu Babatunde, held a meeting with the kingmakers, aspirants and other stakeholders in the community on Tuesday, warning them against manipulating the process and causing crisis in the town.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting held at Osun State Secretariat, Osogbo, Eesa of Ido-Osun and head of the kingmakers, High Chief Oyewale Basiru Adebayo, denied reports that a new Olojudo has been nominated.
“We are using this opportunity to tell the residents of Ido-Osun, Osun State and the world at large that we have not nominated any candidate as the Olojudo-designate. Any claim otherwise is a lie, we are yet to meet and nominate anybody to the government.
“We have come to this meeting to discuss with the commissioner and other government officials. After we leave here, we are going to organise a meeting to nominate one of the candidates,” he said.
High Chief Oyewale said there is no cause for alarm in the town, adding: “To ensure peace in the town, we have visited the police station to have a meeting with the officers. We have held series of meetings with the youths, heads of compounds and ruling houses on the selection of Olojudo-designate.”
The 18 candidates jostling for the Olojudo throne are various professionals including 33-year old deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Olayinka Jokotola, who currently commands a mobile police unit in Oyo State.
Other candidates include a civil servant and Christian cleric, Venerable Idowu Jokotola; United States-based businessman, Johnson Jokotola; Abass Adeyeye and Akeeb Oyeyemi.
They also include Ismail Alade, Rasheed Adebomi, Adetoyese Oyeyemi , Kamorudeen Adebisi, Oseni Akintunde, Mujeeb Olasupo, Oladele Olasupo and septuagenarian Najimu Oyebamiji.
The 1959 Ido-Osun Chieftaincy Declaration rotates the crown between Enukoko and Adenko ruling houses.
