A deposed traditional ruler, Oba Samuel Olatunji Kalejaiye, has renewed his call on the Ogun State Government to correct what he described as a longstanding error in the 1959 Registered Nloku of Iraye Chieftaincy Declaration.

The former Nloku of Iraye is demanding that the name “Sugbada” be amended to “Sugbodo” in the official declaration, insisting that “Sugbada” does not exist within the royal lineage of Iraye and was mistakenly inserted into the historic document.

The demand was disclosed by the legal representative of the Sugbodo Royal Family, Prince Dipo Ilara, who revealed that the family is prepared to approach the court if the state government fails to address the matter.

According to Ilara, a pre-action notice will soon be served on the appropriate authorities in line with Section 22(2) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.

He explained that the alleged error has continued to generate tension within the community and must be corrected in the interest of justice and lasting peace.

Ilara noted that the traditional structure of Iraye recognises four legitimate ruling houses entitled to produce the Nloku: Somade, Sugbodo, Sowomade and Olubinjo.

He stressed that there is no ruling house known as “Sugbada” in the history, customs or traditions of the town.

According to him, the other three recognised ruling houses can attest that “Sugbada” is alien to Iraye’s royal lineage and has never been part of the rotational succession arrangement guiding the emergence of the Nloku.

Ilara warned that leaving the alleged error uncorrected could distort historical records, undermine the credibility of the chieftaincy institution and trigger avoidable disputes in the future.

He also expressed concern that despite several representations to relevant authorities over the years, no formal amendment has been made to address what he described as the discrepancy in the 1959 declaration.

The lawyer described the continued reference to “Sugbada” as a misnomer capable of creating confusion in the nomination and selection process of future occupants of the stool.

Ilara therefore urged the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to take urgent steps to amend the declaration in line with established historical facts and native law and custom.

He maintained that correcting the name to “Sugbodo” would help preserve unity and stability in Iraye, noting that unresolved ambiguities in chieftaincy declarations often serve as the root cause of prolonged communal disputes.

According to him, clarifying the authentic ruling houses would not only safeguard the sanctity of the Nloku stool but also provide clear guidance for future generations.