Osun State’s Executive Council has named Babatunde Omotosho Tajudeen as the new Onijabe of Ijabeland and confirmed a series of other traditional-ruler appointments across the state, with all decisions taking effect immediately.
The council cleared Tajudeen’s appointment after nullifying the 2018 amended declaration governing the Onijabe of Ijabe chieftaincy title and reassessing the process used to select the town’s new monarch.
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, announced the decisions in a statement released after Saturday’s Executive Council meeting.
The council said it had set aside the 2018 amended Onijabe of Ijabe Chieftaincy Declaration, reviewed the procedure that produced the candidate, and subsequently endorsed Tajudeen as monarch.
It formally ratified Babatunde Omotosho Tajudeen’s installation as Onijabe of Ijabeland with immediate effect.
The state government also authorised the promotion of several lower-ranking chiefs to the status of Part II recognised chiefs.
New rulers were approved for a number of communities in local government areas throughout Osun State.
Oloyede Samuel Oyekanmi Adewale was selected as Olugbense of Agurodo in Ejigbo West Local Government Area.
Prince Adewusi Adetunji Hamsat received approval as Alaba of Alaba-Ijesa in Atakumosa West Local Government Area.
The approvals further included Chief Adedoyin Muritala Adewale as Akogun of Ife in Ife East Local Government Area, and Prince Babajide Oludare as Olupasi of Ipasi-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government Area. Both positions formed part of the wider traditional-leadership decisions endorsed by the council.
Prince (Dr) Philip Abiodun Badewa was approved as Akeji of Ikeji-Ile in Oriade Local Government Area, while Prince Oni Edward Olujoba was named Akinsin of Inisa-Ijesa in Atakumosa West Local Government Area.
The council also appointed Prince Adedeji Kayode Adedapo as Wasare of Ijana Wasare-Ijesa, in Atakumosa West Central Local Council Development Area, and Prince Abdulrauf Babatunde Lawal Oyekunle as Oloponda of Oponda in Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
Further appointments include Prince Adelaja Oluwaseyi Adedoyin as Alajebamidele of Ajebamidele-Ijesa in Atakumosa East Local Government Area; Prince Frederick Adedayo Haastrup as Aloya of Iloya-Ijesa in Atakumosa West Local Government Area; and Chief (Mrs) Ojo Hannah Bolanle as Arise of Ilesa in Ilesa West Local Government Area.
Prince Musibau Adewuyi Omotosho was confirmed as Olu of Ayenigba in Egbedore South Local Council Development Area. Prince Lawal Sherif Atanda was appointed Alawo of Ilawo in Ejigbo South Local Council Development Area and was also approved as Alamuye of Amuye-Efaforiji-Ijesa.
The Executive Council additionally adopted the report of a seven-member panel of inquiry into the chieftaincy dispute involving the Olu of Araromi-Owu in Ayedaade Local Government Area.
No details were released on the panel’s conclusions or proposed actions. The commissioner confirmed that every appointment and approval takes immediate effect.
