…Calls for Calm

One of the aspirants to the stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Leguru of Ijebu Ode, Prince Tajudeen Bello has commended the Ogun State Government for its timely intervention in halting the nomination process of the Awujale.

The prince, while addressing the media in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on Tuesday, expressed his support for the decision of the state government to “temporarily suspend the nomination process of the Awujale of Ijebuland”.

He said the action was in strict compliance with the 2021 Ogun State Chieftaincy Law “which clearly empowers the government to intervene whenever there are issues capable of undermining the process, fairness and public confidence”.

Bello stated further that, “It is important to note that the decision was taken in response to serious allegations of irregularities and inducement currently surrounding the nomination process.

“In this regard, the Ogun State government has acted responsibly and commendably by placing peace, equity and credibility above all other considerations.”

The Awujale hopeful said such “timely intervention was necessary to preserve the sanctity, dignity and integrity of our cherished traditional institution”.

He appealed for calm among the various stakeholders.

“I therefore wish to use this medium to appeal to my fellow contestants, stakeholders and all the good people of Ijebuland to view this development not as a setback but a corrective step towards a more transparent, credible and widely acceptable process.

“We must remain calm, law-abiding and committed to the collective interest of our land.”

Bello said it was in the best interest of Ijebuland that it produces an Awujale that is “free from controversies, disputes and avoidable litigation”.

He added, “We need an Awujale whose reign will command universal respect and promote unity and sustainable progress across Ijebuland. Let us allow due process to prevail and let wisdom guide our actions at this critical moment in our history.”