By Peter Omopo
The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with the Ijebu Ode Local Government, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging the suspension of three prominent traditional chiefs in Ijebu land.
In a joint statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday, the authorities described the claims as false and misleading, warning that they were intended to stir tension and disaffection within the Ijebu community.
The viral report had named the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, Chief Abimbola Okenla; the Lapoekun of Ijebu land, Chief Tunde Odulaja; and the Madasa of Ijebu land, Chief Lekan Oshifeso, as having been suspended from the Ijebu Council of Chiefs.
However, the ministry and the local government categorically stated that no suspension had been approved or carried out by any recognised traditional institution or by the Ogun State Government in respect of the named chiefs.
They stressed that chieftaincy matters are governed by established laws, customs, and due process, none of which, according to the statement, has been initiated against the affected traditional titleholders.
Describing the report as the handiwork of mischief makers, the authorities urged members of the public to disregard the claims and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing confusion or undermining traditional institutions.
Residents were further advised to rely only on official government communication channels for accurate and verified information on issues relating to traditional leadership and chieftaincy affairs.
The statement was jointly signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, and the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu.
