Stakeholders in Ifon community, the headquarters of Ose Local Council Area in Ondo State, have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene urgently and resolve the chieftaincy crisis that has left the Olufon throne vacant for more than five years.
The stakeholders, under the umbrella of the Ifon Improvement Forum (IIF), stated that the absence of a traditional ruler has hindered development and exposed the community to security threats. Speaking at a press briefing, the forum’s president, Major General Benjamin Badewole, noted that if the government takes appropriate action, the various court cases challenging the selection process would naturally collapse.
The late Olufon, Oba Israel Adeusi, was shot on November 26, 2020, along the Elegbeka axis of the Benin-Owo-Akure highway while returning to Ifon from Akure, the state capital, after attending a meeting. He was ambushed by gunmen.
Badewole, accompanied by other forum leaders, emphasized that three possible solutions had been proposed to the governor to break the deadlock. He added that a formal proposal was submitted to the governor’s office on February 9, but no response has been received, despite the letter being copied to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Proposed Solutions
Badewole outlined the three options: First, if the state government prefers to use the 1968 Chieftaincy Declaration, it should strictly follow the rotational order and direct the Erunogbe ruling house to present candidates to the kingmakers, even though that house has produced more Olufons than others. Second, the government should register the already accepted 1981 Olufon Chieftaincy Declaration as contained in the Ondo State Government White Paper on the Morgan Commission, with any shortcomings to be reviewed by the next Olufon. Following registration, the Ogenuwa ruling house, next in line after Adaniken, should present candidates. Third, if the government chooses neither option, the contest should be opened to all ruling houses, and the winner would be tasked with establishing a new rotational order.
Impact of the Crisis
Badewole stressed that the interregnum has caused a breakdown of social and economic activities. The community’s only bank has relocated, and courts have ceased operations due to the lack of traditional leadership. He said, “Because of the issue of kidnapping, the high court judge no longer sits in the form. The magistrate court no longer sits in Ifon. The customary court no longer sits in this form. The only bank that we have has been moved away from there. So, Ifon Development Forum, we are trying our very best to see how we can take up the gauntlet and not wait for government.”
