Awujale: Fill vacant stool before Ojude Oba, Ijebu Chief Imam urges Gov Abiodun

The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, on Sunday appealed to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to ensure that the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland is filled before the upcoming Ojude Oba festival, warning that the delay could affect key cultural and religious traditions in the region.

Ayanbadejo made the appeal during a send forth programme for the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from the state at their departure from the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He called on the governor to look into issues surrounding the selection process, describing the matter as critical to the cultural and religious life of Ijebuland.

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The cleric noted that the kingmakers had already completed their assignment and urged the state government to act on the matter.

He also appealed to sons and daughters of Ijebuland to join in calling on the governor to resolve all lingering issues.

The Chief Imam stressed the importance of the Ileya festival, noting that the absence of a monarch could disrupt long-standing traditions.

He said, “Your Excellency, you were like a son to the late Awujale,we urge you to continue to show that same love even after his demise by ensuring that a new Awujale is installed before Ileya.

“In the name of God, I appeal to Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff and all commissioners to kindly intervene so that Ijebuland can have a new Awujale before the Ileya festival,” he said.

Highlighting the historical significance of the festival, Ayanbadejo explained that the Eid-el-Kabir prayers have been observed in Ijebu Ode since 1875, when a then Christian Awujale provided land for Muslim worshippers and donated a ram for sacrifice.

“Since then, it has become a tradition for the reigning Awujale to provide the ram slaughtered at the Eid ground. If we do not have a monarch this year, who will provide the ram?” he asked.

Olayinka Olukoya