Kobowore stool: Contestant seeks Awujale’s intervention over alleged exclusion

A contestant for the stool of Kobowore of Odo-Jobore community in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Prince Olusegun Ogunbanjo, has sought the intervention of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, over alleged exclusion from the selection of a new monarch.

Addressing journalists in Abeokuta at the weekend, Ogunbanjo expressed displeasure over the actions of some officials of Odogbolu Local Government during the selection process.

He decried what he termed ‘deliberate’ plot to scheme him out of the selection process.

Ogunbanjo explained that he was called upon by the regent of the community, who is also the Olisa of Odo-Jobore, Chief Jimoh Shittu, to contest for the vacant stool, since it was the turn of the Adeleye family of Sapenuwa ruling house to which he belonged.

The United States of America-based prince said he wrote a formal application to declare his interest in the stool, which was received and signed by the Olisa, who is the head of the kingmakers.

“As of April 25, 2023 my formal application had been received and signed by the Olisa as the head of the kingmakers and my nomination was given a nod. I was the sole candidate for the stool. But things took a twist when my immediate elder brother, Olufemi Ogunbanjo, showed up six months after I had been called upon by the community during an event.

“On January 11, after the expiration of the 40 days’ notice, the council decided to send officials into our community to observe the selection and nomination process slated for the date. At the event where the chairman of the council was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government Area, my brother was presented as the sole candidate from the family and I, whose application had been received since April last year, was excluded from the selection process.

“And when I raised my hand to object to the selection of my brother, the local government officials abruptly ended the programme. Instead of playing an observatory role as stipulated by the Chief laws of the state, the council officials refused to acknowledge other eligible candidates for the stool as they presented my brother and declared him as oba-elect,” Ogunbanjo alleged.

Ogunbanjo faulted the selection and nomination process.

He appealed to the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Oba Adetona to wade into the matter and ensure that all eligible candidates participate in the selection process for the new Kobowore of Odojobore community.