By Our Correspondent
The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with the Ijebu Ode Local Government, has firmly debunked reports circulating on social media alleging the suspension of three prominent Ijebu traditional chiefs from the Council of Chiefs.
In a joint press statement issued on Tuesday, the authorities described the reports as false, misleading, and deliberately calculated to cause confusion and disharmony within Ijebu land.
The report had claimed that the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, Chief Abimbola Okenla; the Lapoekun of Ijebu land, Chief Tunde Odulaja; and the Madasa of Ijebu land, Chief Lekan Oshifeso, were suspended from the Ijebu Traditional Council. Government officials categorically denied this claim.
According to the statement, no suspension of any kind has been effected or approved by any recognised traditional institution, the Ijebu Traditional Council, the Ijebu Ode Local Government, or the Ogun State Government.
The authorities attributed the circulation of the report to mischief makers seeking to destabilise the peace and unity that the ancient town of Ijebu Ode is known for.
“Chieftaincy matters are governed strictly by established laws, customs, and laid-down procedures,” the statement noted. “None of these statutory or traditional processes has been initiated in respect of the named chiefs.”
The Ministry and the Local Government further emphasised that decisions affecting traditional institutions cannot be taken arbitrarily or through unofficial channels, stressing that due process remains sacrosanct in all chieftaincy-related issues in Ogun State.
Members of the public, particularly residents of Ijebu land, were urged to disregard the unverified report and refrain from spreading unconfirmed information capable of inciting tension or misunderstanding.
The statement also advised citizens to rely solely on official government communication platforms for accurate and credible information on matters relating to traditional institutions and governance.
The press release was jointly signed by Hon. Dare Alebiosu, Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, and Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, both of whom reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving peace, respect for traditional institutions, and adherence to the rule of law.
