Tension flared in Ogun State on Tuesday as residents of Igbokoto-Isale in Yewa North Local Government Area stormed the Governor’s Office at Oke Mosan, protesting what they described as the alleged imposition of a traditional ruler on their community.
The protesters — comprising elders, youths and community leaders — called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and ensure strict adherence to the town’s long-established rotational system of succession to the Obaship stool.
Led by the Regent, Chief Mustapha Kolawole, the demonstrators insisted that a valid gazette and declaration guiding the selection process exist and must be respected. According to them, the approved arrangement provides for rotation of the Obaship among three recognised ruling houses — Osupa, Obagan and Oyori — in that order.
They explained that the immediate past monarch, Oba Ganiu Adegbola Olukunle, who ascended the throne in 1998, hailed from the Osupa ruling house. By that arrangement, they argued, it is now the turn of the Obagan ruling house to produce the next Oba.
The community said the Obagan family unanimously nominated Prince Daniel Olufemi as its candidate but alleged that the state government disregarded the nomination on the grounds that the community lacked a formal declaration.
They further accused the government of sidelining existing kingmakers and constituting an 11-member Warrant Chiefs panel — five of whom were allegedly from the Olukunle family — to facilitate the emergence of another candidate.
The protesters maintained that a subsisting declaration, allegedly approved by the Yewa Traditional Council, clearly stipulates rotation among the three ruling houses.
They alleged that the newly appointed monarch, Tajudeen Adeoye Olukunle, is an immediate younger brother of the late king and that five members of his family were among the 11 warrant chiefs involved in the selection process.
Describing the development as a breach of due process and a potential threat to peace, community leaders warned that failure to address the matter urgently could destabilise the town.
The protesters also referenced a letter dated October 6, 2025, reportedly issued by the Yewa Traditional Council and addressed to the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The letter, signed by the Council’s President and the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Kehinde Olugbenle, allegedly cautioned against appointing another monarch from the Osupa ruling house, describing such a move as unfair and capable of triggering unrest.
Also speaking, the youth leader of the community, Adeniyi Ebenezer, warned that imposing a candidate contrary to established tradition and legal provisions could disrupt the peace of the town.
Responding to the allegations, the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, maintained that due process was followed in appointing the new monarch.
According to him, in the absence of a formal declaration, the government constituted warrant chiefs in line with existing procedures, with approval from the Ministry of Justice.
“They don’t have a declaration. What do we do? We appoint warrant chiefs, and whoever they decide to vote for, so be it. Anyone who is not pleased can approach the court,” he said.
The development sets the stage for a possible legal and traditional contest, as stakeholders weigh custom, documentation and administrative authority in determining the rightful occupant of the Igbokoto-Isale stool.