By Peter Omopo
The Ogun State Government has distanced itself from viral reports alleging that it endorsed the purported selection of Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye by the Ifa Oracle as the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
In a statement issued late Saturday and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the government clarified that it was neither involved in nor supportive of any such claim.
According to the statement, the process for selecting and installing the next Awujale of Ijebuland is strictly guided by applicable laws, established procedures and recognised traditional customs.
“The attention of Ogun State Government has been drawn to rumours circulating in certain quarters alleging that the Ifa oracle has chosen Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye as the next Awujale of Ijebuland and that the State Government has endorsed or supported this purported outcome,” the statement read.
“The Government wishes to categorically state that it is not involved in, nor has it endorsed, any such claim. Any suggestion that the Government has adopted or approved a candidate through an oracle or any informal process is false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public.”
The government further disclosed that the process for filling the vacant stool has been temporarily suspended following several petitions concerning the selection procedure.
It explained that the suspension was necessary to allow for a thorough review and to ensure that the process remains transparent, lawful and acceptable to all stakeholders.
“The temporary suspension is to allow for due review and to ensure that the process remains transparent, lawful, and acceptable to all concerned parties,” the statement added.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, order and respect for due process and traditional institutions across the state. It also urged members of the public to rely solely on official communications and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing tension or misunderstanding.
