Members of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC) are to step down from their existing positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale in Council to oversee the traditional administration of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum.
The decision was reached at a meeting involving 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, signed by Olo’rgun Dr. Sonny Kuku, Chairman of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council, followed deliberations on the administrative structure of Ijebu-Ode following the death of the immediate past Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.
The chiefs noted that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 does not expressly establish an Awujale Regency Council or prescribe a general procedure for appointing a Regent.
They also observed that the Chiefs Law and Declaration of 1957 provide an existing framework for customary declarations and recognition, including the traditional institution of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.
Consequently, a motion was moved and unanimously adopted for members of the AIAC to step down from their current positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.
Under the proposed arrangement, the new council will oversee the administration of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum and exercise interim administrative powers considered necessary in the absence of a substantive 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 stated that the council would serve as the traditional administrative body responsible for managing the affairs of Ijebu-Ode in line with applicable laws, customary practices and established traditions.
It added that the arrangement was intended to ensure continuity, stability and an orderly traditional administrative structure pending the emergence and installation of a substantive Awujale.
The chiefs further maintained that their decision was consistent with the culture, customs and traditions of the Ijebus, over whom the Awujale serves as paramount ruler.
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