…Warns the removed chiefs to stop parading themselves as chief pending Court decision
The Palace of Igbogila has issued a public disclaimer dissociating the town from five individuals allegedly removed as chiefs and members of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs before the death of the Olu of Igbogila, Oba Ebenezer Olanloye, in 2024.
In a statement made available to journalists, the Palace said the affected individuals were removed and replaced by the late monarch prior to his demise.
Those listed include Mr. Yinusa Atanda Ajibade (former Bashorun of Igbogila), Mr. Adams Ajibade (former Ajaguna), Mr. Semiu Bammeke (former Elemo), Mr. Oladele Asipa (former Asiwaju Odo), and Mr. Fatai Olowo (former Aro of Igbogila).
The disclaimer, signed by Chief Semiu Akinlolu, Otunba of Igbogila land, acknowledged that the affected chiefs had challenged their removal in court. However, the Palace alleged that despite the matter still being pending, the individuals have continued to present themselves to various institutions as legitimate members of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs.
Chief Akinlolu claimed that the individuals had allegedly paraded themselves before the Multi-Door Courthouse as well as the managements of Dangote Cement, E-Block Cement, Diamond Cement and BUA Cement companies as serving chiefs of Igbogila.
“While the matter they took to court is still pending, these removed chiefs keep parading themselves before the Multi-Door 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 to put the record straight,” the statement read.
Describing the development as surprising, Chief Akinlolu noted that parties to a pending court case are expected to maintain the status quo until the court delivers its final judgment.
He said the disclaimer became necessary to caution members of the public and corporate organisations against dealing with the listed individuals on matters relating to Igbogila.
“Whoever deals with any of the above-mentioned persons on any matter concerning Igbogila does so at his or her own risk. Members of the public are advised to liaise with the Palace to ascertain the authentic chiefs who have the mandate of Igbogila town,” he added.
Reacting to the disclaimer, Chief Ajibade Adams, son of Mr. Yinusa Atanda Ajibade, who spoke on behalf of his father, insisted that the matter remains before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The matter is still in court,” he said.
He further disclosed that the issue had earlier been addressed publicly, noting that a press conference was held at the Iwe Iroyin House, Abeokuta, about two to three months ago, where their position was clearly stated.
Also Reacting to the disclaimer, One of the allegedly suspended chiefs, Oladele Asipa insisted that the suspension and subsequent removal were illegal, alleging that certain princes exploited the old age and health condition of the late Olu of Igbogila, Oba Ebenezer Olanloye, 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 capable of presiding 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 allegedly confirmed that some individuals were seen signing these documents within the community, raising further 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.
