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Tension is mounting in the Arigbajo community, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, as members of the ruling houses allege significant breaches in the process to fill the vacant stool of the Olu of Arigbajo.
The stool became vacant following the death of the late monarch, Oba Timothy Oluwole Mosaku, who passed away last year at the age of 89.
Speaking with newsmen, Prince Adedeji Adegbenro of the Amoriwako ruling house alleged that the process has been compromised. He claimed one of the leading candidates parading himself as “Olu-elect” is not a native of Arigbajo, but hails from the Yewa axis of the state.
“Only sons of the Amoriwako ruling house—the original founders of Arigbajo—are qualified to present the next monarch. The Olowu of Owu has already declared that only a native offspring of the ruling house can contest. Sadly, the process is being corrupted by politicians. I withdrew my candidacy because qualified individuals were being forced to step down for non-natives,” Adegbenro stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Prophet Sunday Ishola of the same ruling house emphasised that tradition grants the family exclusive authority to nominate candidates. “There are indications that certain quarters are attempting to usurp this responsibility, which is a direct breach of our established traditional process,” he said.
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However, local officials and community leaders have dismissed claims of a flawed process. The Balogun of Arigbajo, Chief Olanrewaju Oyewale, noted that the selection is still in its early stages, with names and profiles currently being compiled.
Babalola Famuyiwa, Secretary of Omo Ilu Arigbajo, described the process as transparent. “Five bona fide candidates have already appeared before the council. It is likely those who failed to show up that are raising these issues,” Famuyiwa said, adding that the candidates represent all four ruling houses.
Providing further context, the Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Alhaji Sikiru Adisa, traced the tension back to a 15-year-old dispute where two different monarchs were installed by the Alake of Egbaland and the Olowu of Owu, respectively.
“That situation created deep divisions. The Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and I have directed all four ruling houses to present candidates for a final election. My only interest is a harmonious, free, and fair selection of the next Olu,” Adisa said.
