The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has denied reports of a disagreement between himself and kingmakers over the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, also denied insinuations of intimidating the Council of kingmakers to tilt in favour of any particular candidate.
Akinmade explained that the Governor only had a respectful consultative meeting with the Afobajes, which focused on areas of mutual concern and how to make progress.
He specifically clarified that contrary to the rumours in some quarters, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats or ultimatums and statements attributed to him, including ‘No Kuye, No Awujale’ are false and misleading narrations being peddled by mischief makers.
“The governor held a respectful consultative meeting with the Council of Afobajes, consistent with meetings he held in the past with the Olori Ebis that were hitherto polarized which fostered their harmonization and, through such earlier engagements, he also persuaded one of the kingmakers to withdraw a filed litigation.
“The discussions he had focused on matters of mutual concern in the interest of the progress in traditional affairs within Ijebuland.
“Contrary to the rumors, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats, ultimatums. Statements attributed to him, including ‘No Kuye, No Awujale,’ are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the Governor or his administration.
“No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened. This is once again the fabrication of falsehoods by mischief makers.”
“The governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebu. His administration continues to prioritize dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of cultural values.
“We all know how highly the Governor holds the throne of Awujale which he has consistently demonstrated. Members of the public, traditional stakeholders, and the media are urged to disregard these unfounded insinuations and rely solely on verified information from official sources,” he said.