Awujale Interregnum Council Members to Transition into Adele Oba Awujale in Council

Members of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC) are set to formally step down from their current positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale in Council, following a resolution reached by traditional chiefs in Ijebu-Ode.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Ilamurem, Pampa, the Odi and other chiefs of Ijebu-Ode, according to a resolution contained in a letter sighted by Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.

The resolution was signed by Olo’rgun Dr. Sonny Kuku, Chairman of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council, after deliberations on the traditional administrative structure of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum following the demise of the immediate past Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.

The traditional chiefs noted that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 does not expressly provide for an Awujale Regency Council or establish a general procedure for appointing a Regent.

They further observed that the Chiefs Law and Declaration of 1957 provide an existing legal and customary framework for traditional declarations and recognition, including the institution of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.

Consequently, a motion was moved and unanimously adopted for all members of the AIAC to relinquish their existing positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.

Under the proposed arrangement, the council is expected to oversee the administration of Ijebu-Ode throughout the interregnum and exercise interim administrative powers and responsibilities deemed necessary in the absence of the Awujale, subject to applicable laws, customs and traditions.

The 14-member council comprises Olo’rgun Dr. Sonny Kuku, Ogbeni Oja; Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa; Chief O. B. Okuboyejo, Obasewa; Chief Chris Funmilola Okunowo, Bobasuwa; and Chief Professor Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso.

Other members are Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, Olootu Olowa; Chief Jimi Lawal, Olotu Ifore; Chief Kunle Ogunade, Apebi; Chief Mrs. B. O. Osibogun, Iyalode; Chief Adegoke Balogun, Jaginrin; Chief Agboola Alausa, Balogun; Chief Abimbola Okenla, Kakanfo; Chief Adebisi Adaran, Ogbeni Odi Awujale; and Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, Lapoekun.

The resolution further states that the council will serve as the traditional administrative body responsible for managing the affairs of Ijebu-Ode in accordance with relevant laws, customary practices and established traditions of Ijebuland.

According to the chiefs, the arrangement is designed to ensure continuity, stability and an orderly traditional administrative system pending the emergence and installation of a substantive Awujale of Ijebuland.

They maintained that the decision aligns with the tradition, culture and customs of the Ijebus, over whom the Awujale serves as the paramount ruler.