Late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona
By TDTM
Members of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC) are to formally relinquish their existing positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council, following a resolution reached by traditional chiefs in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The decision was reached at a meeting involving the Ilamurem, Pampa, Odi and other chiefs of Ijebu-Ode, according to a resolution contained in a letter sighted by Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.
The resolution, signed by the Chairman of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council, Olo’rgun Dr. Sonny Kuku, followed deliberations on the traditional administrative structure of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum occasioned by the demise of the immediate past Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.
The chiefs noted that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 does not expressly establish an Awujale Regency Council or prescribe a general procedure for the appointment of a Regent.
They also observed that the Chiefs Law and Declaration of 1957 provide an existing framework for customary declarations and recognition, including the traditional institution of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council.
Consequently, a motion was moved and unanimously adopted for all members of the AIAC to step down from their existing positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council.
Under the proposed arrangement, the new council will assume responsibility for the administration of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum and exercise, on an interim basis, administrative powers and functions considered necessary in the absence of the Awujale, subject to applicable laws, customs and traditions.
The proposed 14-member council comprises Olo’rgun Dr. Sonny Kuku, Ogbeni Oja; Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa; Chief O. B. Okuboyejo, Obasewa; Chief Chris Funmilola Okunowo, Bobasuwa; and Chief Professor Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso.
Others are Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, Olootu Olowa; Chief Jimi Lawal, Olotu Ifore; Chief Kunle Ogunade, Apebi; Chief Mrs. B. O. Osibogun, Iyalode; Chief Adegoke Balogun, Jaginrin; Chief Agboola Alausa, Balogun; Chief Abimbola Okenla, Kakanfo; Chief Adebisi Adaran, Ogbeni Odi Awujale; and Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, Lapoekun.
The resolution states that the council will serve as the traditional administrative body responsible for managing the affairs of Ijebu-Ode in accordance with applicable laws, customary practices and established traditions of Ijebuland.
It further explains that the arrangement is aimed at ensuring continuity, stability and an orderly traditional administrative structure pending the emergence and installation of a substantive Awujale of Ijebuland.
The chiefs maintained that their decision was consistent with the customs, culture and traditions of the Ijebu people, over whom the Awujale is the paramount traditional ruler.
