Chieftaincy crisis: Ogun community disowns five ‘suspended’ chiefs

2026-02-03 - 19:48

By James Ogunnaike A community in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Igbogila, has distanced itself from five individuals said to have been removed as chiefs and members of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs before the demise of the Olu of Igbogila, Oba Ebenezer Olanloye, in 2024. According to a disclaimer signed by the Otunba of Igbogila, Chief Semiu Akinlolu, Chief Amidu Bamigbade, Chief Tosin Olaniyi, amongst others, the affected individuals were allegedly removed and replaced by the late monarch before his demise, over allegations of financial misconduct. The affected chiefs, according to the palace, include Mr. Yinusa Atanda Ajibade (formerly Bashorun of Igbogila), Mr. Adams Ajibade (formerly Ajaguna), Mr. Semiu Bammeke (formerly Elemo), Mr. Oladele Asipa (formerly Asiwaju Odo), and Mr. Fatai Olowo (formerly Aro of Igbogila). The disclaimer, which acknowledged that the removed chiefs had challenged their removal in court, also alleged that, despite the case still being pending, the individuals have continued to present themselves to various institutions as legitimate members of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs. Chief Akinlolu described this development as surprising, noting that parties in a pending court case are expected to maintain the status quo until a final judgment is delivered. The disclaimer reads in part “While the matter they took to court is still pending, these removed chiefs keep parading themselves before the MultiDoor Court, the Managements of Dangote Cement, E-Block Cement, Diamond Cement and BUA Cement Companies as if they are still members of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs, hence the necessity for this disclaimer in other to put the record straight”. “The disclaimer became necessary in order to put the record straight and cautioned members of the public and corporate bodies against dealing with the listed individuals on matters concerning Igbogila. “ Whosoever deals with any of the above-mentioned chiefs on any matter that concerns Igbogila does so at his/her own risk. Members of the Public are to liaise with the Palace to know the authentic Chiefs that have Mandates of Igbogila Town,”Chief Akinlolu added. Reacting to the disclaimer, one of the suspended chiefs, Oladele Asipa, insisted that the suspension and subsequent removal were illegal, alleging that certain princes exploited the late Olu of Igbogila’s old age and health condition to manipulate palace affairs and forge official documents. The chief, who maintained that he remains the legitimate Asiwaju Odo of Igbogilaland, stated that the late monarch had been battling age-related health challenges since 2020, a situation that significantly limited his active participation in palace affairs, alleging that certain individuals capitalised on the monarch’s declining health to orchestrate the suspension of some chiefs. He said, “Under the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, due process requires that before any chief can be suspended, a formal panel of enquiry must be constituted to investigate the allegations. However, in this instance, the suspensions were reportedly carried out without any investigative panel. “Ironically, invitations to appear before a panel were only extended after the suspension had already been executed, further reinforcing the claim that due process was not followed. At the time, Kabiyesi was no longer physically able to preside over palace meetings. It is alleged that his fragile condition made him vulnerable to manipulation, including being influenced to sign documents without full awareness of their content. “Following the suspension letters, additional letters of removal were issued. Eyewitness accounts reportedly confirmed that some individuals were seen signing these documents within the community, further raising doubts about their authenticity. “Consequently, we compiled all disputed documents and submitted them to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Alagbon, Lagos, for forensic examination. “The forensic report reportedly confirmed that the signatures on the letters did not originate from Kabiyesi. The matter has since been the subject of ongoing litigation, and by law, the principle of status quo must be maintained while the case remains before the court. “It is also important to state that many individuals involved may not fully understand the legal implications and procedures governing chieftaincy matters. As far as I am concerned, I remain the legitimate holder of the title of Asiwaju Odo of Igbogilaland, pending the final determination of the matter by the court,” he added. On his part, Ajibade Adams, son of Mr. Yinusa Atanda Ajibade, who spoke on behalf of his father, maintained that the matter is before a court of law. He further disclosed that the issue had previously been addressed publicly. Vanguard News