Ogun LG Denies Election of New Monarch, Warns Against False Claims
By Momodu Favour
The Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State has denied reports suggesting that a new monarch has been elected for the Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko stool, warning individuals and groups against making premature and false claims to the revered throne.
The council, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr Johnson Babajide, clarified that no election has been conducted and no candidate has been selected, elected, or declared as the new Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko.
According to the statement, the stool became vacant following the demise of the monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba John Olakunle Ojo, JP (Afiditi II), and the succession process is currently ongoing in line with established traditional customs and the Chiefs Law of Ogun State.
“The attention of the general public, residents of Ikolaje Idiroko, stakeholders, and all concerned parties is hereby drawn to the ongoing process for filling the vacant stool of the Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko,” the council stated.
It explained that, in accordance with the rotational arrangement for the stool, the Odunfa Ruling House next in line to produce the monarch conducted its nomination exercise on February 4, 2026.
The exercise took place at the Ipokia Local Government Secretariat under the supervision of local government officials, security agencies, and representatives of the ruling house.
Three princes emerged from the nomination process: Prince Olagoriye Jonah Ariori, Prince Sunday Adekanmbi Olayode, and Prince Olabowale Ade.
The council noted that the next phase of the process is for the Ikolaje Idiroko Council of Kingmakers, also known as Afobaje, to convene and carry out its statutory responsibility of selecting one candidate from among the nominated princes.
Emphasising the integrity and transparency of the procedure, the local government stressed that the process is still ongoing and has not reached the stage of selection or declaration.
“No election has taken place, and no candidate has been selected, elected, or declared as the new Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko at this time. The process remains active, ensuring full compliance with all necessary protocols,” the statement read.
The council further warned that any individual or group parading or presenting themselves, or any candidate, as the appointed, elected, or crowned Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko before the formal conclusion of the process and official announcement is acting unlawfully.
It cautioned that such actions could lead to a breach of peace, public disorder, or violation of existing laws, adding that offenders would be held fully accountable.
The Ipokia Local Government appealed to residents of Ikolaje Idiroko, members of the ruling house, the nominees, and their supporters to remain calm, patient, and law-abiding while the lawful succession process is concluded.
