The stool of Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, which has been vacant for the past 27 years, has been filled with the election of Prince Lawrence Jayeola Adebajo as the Orimolusi-elect.
He emerged winner having polled six out of 10 votes during the election held at the secretariat of the local government, on Tuesday. He defeated his major contender, Prince Soliu Sadiku, who had four votes.
The 69 years old Orimolusi-elect, would succeed the late Oba Samuel Adetayo, Ikupakude IV, the Orimolusi, in May 1994.
It will be recalled that 11 warrant chiefs were inaugurated by the Chairman of the Local Government, Mr Bolaji Odusanya, on the advise of the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to commence the process of filling the stool.
The warrant chiefs was headed by Professor Ademola Adedeji with Professors Yinka Balogun, Kola Balogun, Layi Ogunkoya, Chief Ademola Okusanya, Chief P. O. Omotara, Professor Bisi Ogunfowora, Mr. Olusegun Olusanya, Professors B. Obigbesan, Ayo Ogunye as members while Mr. Fatai Bolujo served as Secretary.
They were given 14 days within inauguration to submit report.
Also, Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Afolabi Afuape, in an interview, confirmed that a new Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo has emerged.
He said the emergence followed the voting of 10 out of the 11 warrant chiefs appointed by the government to elect candidate for the vacant stool of Orimolusi.
He said: “An Oba-elect has emerged as Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, but I have not got details of who the Oba-elect is.”
Afuape said six warrant chiefs voted for the successful Oba-elect.
Until his emergence, Prince Adebajo is the Balogun of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish, Oke Padi, Ijebu-Igbo.
The emergence of Prince Adebajo and subsequent confirmation and coronation later by the government will end the 27 years interregnum.
Nigerian Tribune / The Nation
