His Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota, has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to intervene in the ongoing chieftaincy crisis affecting Kajola Iboro, a town in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
Despite efforts to obstruct his visit, Oba Obalanlege went to Kajola Iboro, a town under his jurisdiction, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, where he met with residents to urge calm amidst escalating tensions.
Reports have emerged that hoodlums, allegedly sponsored by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and his associates, including Ogun State Solicitor General, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, attempted to prevent the Olota’s visit.
It was gathered that the Alake of Egbaland had made several unsuccessful attempts to install a Baale in Kajola Iboro, resorting to hiring thugs to disrupt the Olota’s plans.
Oba Obalanlege firmly reiterated that the Alake’s authority is limited to the Ake section of Abeokuta South Local Government, and does not extend to Ado-Odo/Ota, making any attempt to impose leadership in Kajola Iboro illegitimate.
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In response, Oba Obalanlege has called on Abiodun to intervene in the matter and urged the governor to caution Olaotan, emphasising that the Solicitor General’s role is to uphold justice.
Despite provocations, including attacks from hired hoodlums reportedly under the influence of the Alake and Solicitor General, Oba Obalanlege has refused to be drawn into chaos.
Reacting to the development, Oba Obalanlege said: “Inspite of several provocation from Alake of Egbaland, I remain committed to ensuring and maintaining peaceful atmosphere in my domain. So, the state government should restrain him from interfering in chieftaincy issues in Ota, in any form.”
The Oba reassured the people of Kajola Iboro to remain calm, noting that reports of overnight attacks on innocent residents have been filed with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for proper investigation and prosecution.
A similar incident occurred previously following the passing of the Iyaloja of Sango-Ota Town, Alhaja Chief Mujidat Morenikeji Adufe Olabimtan (née Olundegun), when the Alake installed Mrs. Abigail Adedokun as the substantive Iyaloja.
This decision was later overturned by Oba Obalanlege, whose jurisdiction covers Sango-Ota, and Chief Mrs. Toibat Aderonke Bello was installed as the authentic Iyaloja of Sango-Ota Town.
