Igbogila Obaship crisis deepens as Ogun chiefs accuse lawmaker Adegoke Adeyanju of meddling in monarch selection, but he denies the allegations

The Igbogila Obaship crisis has deepened in Ogun State as community chiefs accused a state lawmaker, Honourable Adegoke Adeyanju, popularly known as Awoso, of attempting to influence the selection of the town’s next monarch an allegation he has strongly denied.

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At a press conference held at the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abeokuta, the chiefs alleged that Adeyanju was “precipitating crisis” in the community by pushing for the installation of Daniel Opebiyi as the next Olu of Igbogila.

Led by Chief Semiu Bammeke, and supported by Bashorun Atanda Ajibade and the Akogun of Igbogila, Chief Charles Olaotan, the elders further accused the legislator of colluding with relatives of the late monarch, Oba Ebenezer Olanloye, to unlawfully suspend five chiefs when the monarch was bedridden.

Chief Bammeke claimed that a forensic examination confirmed the signatures on the suspension letters were forged.

He said, “On the issue of the latest protest by some individuals, it is no more than the handiwork of Honourable Adegoke Adeyanju. He is determined to set the whole town on fire.”

The chiefs alleged that the lawmaker had installed four new kingmakers to replace those suspended and sponsored protests to destabilise the community.

They called on Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to intervene before the situation escalates further.

In response, Hon. Adeyanju dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting he has no preferred candidate and is only advocating for a monarch to be installed after more than three years of vacancy.

He said, “The suspended chiefs were duly removed by the late traditional ruler, and their replacements were installed by him before his passing. Representatives from the Deputy Governor’s office were even present.”

Adeyanju maintained that forensic reports exist on both sides, arguing that each party has evidence supporting its claims.

“I am an indigene of the town and a palace chief, but not a kingmaker,” he added. “The protests were simply expressions of frustration by residents who have waited too long for a traditional ruler.”

Meanwhile, residents recently staged a peaceful demonstration demanding a resolution to the prolonged crisis.

Holding placards reading “Enough is Enough” and “Gov Abiodun, come to our rescue,” they appealed for urgent government intervention.

A resident, Mrs Olusola Adebayo, lamented the stagnation in the community, saying: “The absence of leadership is hindering our growth. We need a monarch to restore order and development in Igbogila.”