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The Osun State Government has appealed to the contestants for the Ido-Osun traditional stool and the kingmakers of the town to allow peace to reign during the selection process of the next traditional ruler.

The appeal of the state government was conveyed through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, during a meeting with concerned stakeholders from the town at the State Secretariat.

Dosu, during the meeting, stated that “The Ministry will only play a supervisory role while the selection of the new monarch will be done by the kingmakers of the community.”

The Commissioner also reiterated the need for love, cordial relationships, and mutual respect among the kingmakers in order to move the ancient town forward.

“We need love and cordial relationships among the contesting parties and kingmakers during the period. This will aid us in a good selection that will move Ido-Osun town forward.

“The process of selecting the new monarch should be devoid of rancor, as peace is essential for the town’s progress.

“The commissioner also emphasized the importance of mutual respect and cordiality among the kingmakers, ensuring that the community’s interest remains paramount,” he said.

In a response, the Eesa of Ido-Osun and head of the seven kingmakers, High Chief Oyewale Basiru Adebayo, thanked the state government for the meeting and promised to abide by the chieftaincy law in their selection process to achieve success.

The kingmakers expressed gratitude to the state government for its intervention and pledged to abide by the chieftaincy law.

DAILY POST recalled that the stool of the Oludo of Ido-Osun in Egbedore South Local Council Development Area became vacant following the demise of Oba (Dr) Aderemi Adedapo in May 2024.

Meanwhile, the Daodu Adegbite Royal Family of Ido-Osun in Egbedore Local Government Areas of Osun State has disclaimed two individuals: Nurudeen Jimoh Alowonle, popularly known as Abule, and Ibrahim Wasiu Adeniyi, who claimed to be members of the royal family.

According to the family, both individuals have claimed a connection to the royal family, thereby asserting their eligibility for the kingship.

However, the royal family firmly disputes these claims, citing historical records and the Ido-Osun Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959 as evidence that neither of the individuals has legitimate ties to the lineage.

According to the disclaimer letters issued by their legal representatives, Kunle Akinyemi & Co, on July 25, 2024, the royal family asserts that “the Daodu Adegbite branch belongs to the Adenko Ruling House, which is currently designated to produce the next king based on the customary law governing the town’s kingship rotation.”

The family emphasized that “while the throne may attract attention from various quarters, it does not welcome ‘all-comers’ or individuals with dubious claims to the royal heritage.”

The disclaimer further specified that “Nurudeen Jimoh Alowonle is a native of Ode Okoko’s Compound in Osogbo and has no verifiable historical connection to the Daodu Adegbite Royal Family.”

Similarly, Ibrahim Wasiu Adeniyi, a native of Eesa’s Compound in Ila-Odo, was disclaimed despite his assertion that his great-grandmother belonged to the royal family.

The Daodu Adegbite Royal Family contends that even if such a distant relationship existed, it would not grant them the right to the throne, particularly under the chieftaincy laws that restrict succession through female lineage.

The ongoing process to select a new Oludo of Ido-Osun has thus taken a contentious turn following public disclaimers issued by the Daodu Adegbite Royal Family, raising concerns over the legitimacy of some candidates vying for the throne.

With the stool vacant since the passing of Oba (Dr.) Aderemi Adedapo in May 2024, tension has continuously mounted in the ancient town of Ido-Osun, Osun State, as the royal family seeks to clarify its lineage and refute claims by individuals asserting ties to the throne.

In his reaction, Jimoh Nurudeen Ademola has contested claims questioning his royal heritage, asserting that he is indeed a descendant of the royal family of the ancient town.

Ademola, who refuted claims by some of his co-contestants about his royal lineage, insisted that he “was born, known, and has always been recognized as a Prince of the town, and demanded proof from anyone disputing his lineage.”

Ademola said he is qualified to become the new Oludo of Ido, as he is a bona fide member of the ruling house.

He stressed that “some members of the royal family have repeatedly approached him, asking for financial support to promote a younger family member’s ascension to the throne, with consolation that if he could not become king this time around, his child could inherit the title in the future.”

Prince Ademola, who expressed disbelief with the unnecessary campaign of calumny, highlighted how his position within the family has long been acknowledged and respected.

“If they claim I am not from a royal family, let them provide evidence to back that claim. I have proof of my heritage and won’t tolerate these baseless allegations,” Ademola stated.

“My grandfather, Akingbade, came from the Daodu family in Ido-Osun, and my father held the kingship position there before his passing,” Ademola explained.

“Our lineage is well documented, and we have historical connections to other royal houses, including the Oro, Oloye, and Jokotola ruling houses. My father always maintained close ties to both Ido-Osun and Osogbo, affirming our rightful place within the royal hierarchy.

“I am claiming my father’s rightful legacy,” he maintained.

“My lineage and rights within the Ido-Osun royal family are undisputed by any factual record, and the recent allegations against me hold no ground,” he submitted.