Youths under the aegis of Omo Owa Omo Ekun Youths of Ijesaland have called for transparency and adherence to tradition in the selection of the next Owa Obokun Adimula, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Owa Obokun Adimula’s Palace, the group’s President, Chief (Comrade) Babatunde Aguntasolo, emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Ijesa customs in the succession process.
It would be recalled that the revered throne became vacant following the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LLD, on September 12, 2024, after a historic 42-year reign.
Comrade Aguntasolo noted that the selection of the next ruler, expected to emerge from the Bilaro Olu-Odo ruling house, presents a critical moment for the kingdom. “The sacrifices of our past heroes and heroines must be well acknowledged. Their legacies must be protected and respected,” he said.
The group appealed to the Ijesa Kingmakers, led by the Obaala of Ilesa, to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process.
They stressed that financial influence or political interference should not dictate the outcome, urging that the process be guided solely by the Ifa Oracle, a cornerstone of Yoruba tradition.
Addressing rumors of state government involvement, the youths called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to uphold neutrality in the process. “We want to believe this is a rumor without any iota of truth. How can a listening Governor impose a particular prince on Ijesa people? This is not possible,” Aguntasolo stated.
The group also cautioned political leaders, including the Osun PDP Chairman and other Ijesa-born officials, to respect the sanctity of the traditional institution.
They emphasized the distinction between partisan politics and the cultural heritage of Ijesaland.
“Our fathers and mothers at home and in the diaspora should join us to resist any form of imposition,” Aguntasolo declared, calling for unity in protecting the cultural and traditional values of the kingdom.
A TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY IJESA YOUTHS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF OMO OWA OMO EKUN YOUTHS OF IJESALAND BY HER PRESIDENT, CHIEF (COMRADE) BABATUNDE AGUNTASOLO AT OWA OBOKUN ADIMULA’S PALACE, ILESA, OSUN STATE, TODAY, 23RD OF DECEMBER, 2024.
PROTOCOL
Good afternoon gentlemen of the Press. I mostly welcome you all to one of the ancient and historic Kingdoms in Yorubaland. You will recall that the exalted throne of Ijesaland became vacant on the 12thof September, 2024 following the transition of Our Father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II CFR LLD, Owa Obokun Adimula and the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland. His 42-year reign redefined Ijesa Obokun Kingdom, his reign witnessed both military and democratic governments of Nigeria.The great scholar and foremost traditional ruler guided his throne with core values and integrity. He was a champion of peace and unity of Ijesaland, he was a father whose counsels and care will be sorely missed by the Youths in particular and the entire Sons and Daughters of Ijesaland. He accommodated non-yorubas for the sake of the development of his kingdom and has since been regarded as a Father of all. You will agree with me that the throne can not remain vacant, all eyes are on the next ruling house, Bilaro Olu-Odo to fill the vacuum. It is our belief that the ruling house is endowed with sons who are blessed with leadership skills and qualities to move Ijesaland to greater heights. The last time Ijesaland witnessed similar period was 43 years ago when His Imperial Majesty, Oba Peter Adeniran Agunlejika II joined his ancestors, so it is a great privilege for us all to witness this period and if this privilege is not well utilized, will speak volume of our future as Youths of Ijesaland. We are thereby appealing to the Ijesa Kingmakers who are the custodians of Ijesa culture, norms and traditions under the leadership of the Obaala of Ilesa to maximize their offices to uphold our ancient tradition in selecting the next occupant of Owa Obokun Adimula’s Palace as their decision will make or mar our future. There is no gain saying the fact that there will be a lot of patronages from the interested Princes but we should all be reminded that the sacrifices of our past heroes and heroines must be well acknowledged. The Progenitor of Ijesa Obokun Kingdom and the first Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Owa Ajibogun Onida Arara, his sons and daughters who had piloted the affairs of Ijesaland had made huge sacrifices not to be easily forgotten by either local or foreign currency or any asset that can not outlive us, their legacies must be well protected and respected.It is expected by our fathers who are the kingmakers to be fair in handling the selection process, it is a taboo for them to have preferred or anointed candidates(s), they should be fair and just to the interested Princes regardless of their financial strengths. Ijesaland is an ancient kingdom founded by an Odu Ifa which has since been guided by Ifa Oracle, we are thereby appealing to Our listening Governor, the Asiwaju of Edeland, His Excellency, Senator Jackson Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State not to be partisan in the selection process and confirmation of appointment of who-would-be the next Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland. It is imperative to state that there has been a rumour of the State Government having a chosen candidate, ready to be appointed; we want to believe this is a rumour without any iota of truth. Because how can a listening Governor impose a particular prince on Ijesa people? It is not possible. How will Asiwaju of Edeland go against the traditions of Ijesaland? This is not possible. The Youths of Ijesaland believe His Excellency will encourage and charge the Ijesa Kingmakers to be directed andled by Ifa Oracle in selecting the next Owa. However, it is most important to use this medium to remind the political stakeholders of the current administration in Osun State who are of Ijesa extraction, most especially; Osun PDP Chairman, the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Osun SUBEB Chairman, Federal and State Lawmakers and others numerous to mention not to mislead the State Governor as they are all Ijesas first before being appointed or elected to any public offices, they should understand and acknowledge the position of Ifa Oracle when it comes to the selection of who sit on the ancient and most exalted throne of Ijesaland as their decision now determines our future. There are clear and distinct differences between partisan politics and traditional institution, we appeal to our political leaders, most especially the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, a senior lawyer whose experience in the legal profession of over 3 decades count so much in the subject matter, to give room for the traditionalists to perform their traditional roles in the selection process. Ijesaland is rich in culture and traditions, Owaship must not be used for any political score or gain. As the Youths of Ijesaland, we won’t shy away from making our stand known to the whole world. Our fathers and mothers at home and in diaspora should join us to resist any form of imposition; let us jointly uphold our culture and traditions for the sake of our future and generations unborn. Ijesaland shall be great in our time. OBOKUN A GBE A O.
THANK YOU ALL FOR LISTENING. GOD BLESS IJESALAND
GOD BLESS OSUN STATE
GOD BLESS NIGERIA.
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