Royal Tussle in Ijeshaland: Ofokutu Royal Family Challenges Osun Govt’s Role in Kingship Selection [Video]

A legal and traditional dispute has erupted over the selection of the new Owa of Ijeshaland, with Oladele Bello, spokesperson for the Ofokutu Royal Family, accusing the Osun State Government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, of interfering in the selection process and imposing a preferred candidate.

Following the passing of the former Owa of Ijeshaland in late 2023, the kingmakers invited eligible princes from the Bilaro dynasty to submit their applications for the vacant stool. The Ofokutu family, one of the four ruling houses in the Bilaro dynasty, alongside Arimoro, Fajemisi, and Ajimoko, put forward their candidates for consideration.

However, concerns arose when the Osun State Government allegedly intervened in the process, showing support for a particular candidate from the Ajimoko ruling house. The Ofokutu family, suspecting political interference, took legal action on December 12, 2024, securing an injunction from the court restraining the state government from further involvement in the selection process.

Despite the court order, the Osun State Government proceeded with the selection process. On December 27, the government invited the kingmakers and selected princes to a meeting at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat. However, reports indicate that many princes, including those from the Ofokutu family, were barred from entering the meeting venue.

During the meeting, only five out of the 13 kingmakers (allegedly those aligned with the state government) were allowed to participate in the voting process. The state government subsequently announced the selection of Prince Clement Adesoji Adebayo from the Ajimoko ruling house as the new Owa of Ijeshaland.

This decision was met with widespread discontent. Seven of the kingmakers reportedly withdrew from the process, arguing that the government had hijacked the traditional selection procedure. The Ofokutu family and other concerned parties also challenged the legitimacy of the process, pointing to the existence of a prior court injunction against the state’s involvement.

Tensions escalated when, within hours of the selection, the Osun State Government swiftly approved the appointment of Prince Adebayo, granting him the staff of office on December 29, 2024. The Ofokutu family condemned the move, describing it as a blatant disregard for the judicial process and the traditions of Ijeshaland.

Legal representatives of the Ofokutu family later discovered that another court order, allegedly backdated to December 13—just a day after their initial injunction—had surfaced, purportedly allowing the Osun State Government to continue the selection process. However, they claim that this order was hidden from them until January 10, 2025, raising suspicions about procedural irregularities.

During a court hearing on January 14, 2025, lawyers representing the Ofokutu family formally requested the presiding judge to recuse himself from the case, citing concerns over impartiality. The court has since adjourned the case to March 6, 2025, for further deliberation.

The Ofokutu family insists that it is their rightful turn to produce the next Owa of Ijeshaland, as the Ajimoko ruling house has already held the throne twice. They accuse the Osun State Government of using political influence to favor a particular candidate, disregarding the established rotational tradition.

Prince Adedini Olubumi Ubembe of the Ofokutu Royal Family has urged Ijesha people, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain patient and steadfast as the legal battle continues. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the traditions and integrity of the selection process, expressing hope for a fair resolution in court.

The unfolding events in Ijeshaland highlight broader concerns about government involvement in traditional institutions, raising questions about the balance between political power and cultural heritage. All eyes remain on the judiciary as the case proceeds in March.