A forum of prominent elites and professionals who are sons and daughters of Ikoyi-Ile under the agies of Ikoyi land Vanguards has appealed to Oyo State governor, His Excellency, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde to take a dispassionate look at the issue of filling the vacant stool of Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The forum made the appeal while addressing journalists during a press conference in Ikoyi Ile, urging the governor to prevail on parties to await the decisions of the court on the matter.
Speaking through its chairman, Mr Taofeek Akinlolu Lawal, the Ikoyi Land Vanguards explained that after the stool of Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile became vacant upon the demise of late Oba Abdul-yekeen Ayinla Oladipupo IV in April, 2022, the king makers conducted an interview and screening exercise for the fourteen princes who expressed interests in the race of filling of the vacant stool as presented by their respective ruling houses / sections.
He said the development followed the directive obtained from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; the Oriire Local Government conducted a transparent process beginning with family meetings.
Mr. Taofeek Lawal claimed that the process was done in full glare of security agencies and witnessed by relevant officers of Oriire Local Government, and it eventually led to the unanimous selection of Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh by the six living Onikoyi Kingmakers, on 27th June, 2022.
He said soon after the selection of Prof Saka Jimoh, two contestants filed two separate suits in a High Court sitting in Ogbomoso to challenge the Kingmakers over the selection of Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh. The two cases are still pending in the court.
Mr. Taofeek Lawal however expressed worry that some supporters of the unsuccessful aspirants have resorted to pedling rumours around that Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh is not an indigene of Ikoyi – Ile.
He said their claim is a blatant lie because the forum is familiar with Prof Saka Jimoh’s family history saying his ancestors, from the 17th century to date, lived and died in Ikoyi – Ile.
He further explained that his family members were princes and princesses from the Atoyebi Rulling House, one of four such in IKoyi Ile: the other three being Adegun, Adesite and Asamu/Ladipo.
“Ikoyi – Ile being an ancient land of great warriors has its people scattered across the globe as a result of series of wars and internal political crises which forced people out of the town towards the end of the 18th century in a bid to save their lives during the war.
“For example some descendants of Adegun sojourned at Yowere in Aasa Local Government Area of Kwara State. Hence, their compound in IKoyi-Ile is till today called YOWERE Compound.
“The Adesite family sojourned at Olomo Oba also in Kwara State and their family compound in Ikoyi-Ile is called ILE OLOMO OBA till today .
“The Atoyebi Family (from which Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh descended) fled in different directions and some of them sojourned in Ogbomoso which included Olayode whose family compound in Ikoyi-Ile was called ILE OGBOMOSO and later, Ile LADELE and Olugusi (OLUGUSI COMPOUND , later ABGEDE-ISALE COMPOUND). The ancestors of Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh sojourned in various places including Ijaiye and Ibadan (Oyo State), and then OLOORU in Kwara State. After the wars, all Ikoyi people came back to re-settle in Ikoyi- Ile, and some of them adopted the names of the towns where they lived during the period of wars.
“Distinguished gentlemen of the press, the claim that Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh is not from Ikoyi – Ile as a result of his family compound’s name (ILE OLOORU) IS NOT TRUE.
“The claim is a deliberate plot to deceive and mislead the government and people of Oyo State.
“As a bonafide Indigene and also a crown prince of Ikoyii- Ile, I attest to the fact that the selection of Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh is informed by the fact that he is a crown prince from Atoyebi Ruling House; he is a God-fearing man, honest and responsible.
“Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh has in various ways, contributed his own quota to the progress and development of Ikoyi – Ile. He has used his wealth of experience as an Administrator and Academic to assist many Ikoyi sons and daughters in different capacities.
“Without sentiment, Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh is not contesting for the post for his selfish interest, but is answering the call of his family and Ikoyi Land in general.
Mr. Taofeek Lawal reaffirmed the forum’s faith in Governor Makinde’s fair -mindedness, humaneness and respect for the Rule of law, and passionately appealed to His Excellency to stand his ground as usual, on the truth, fairness and the rule of law.
He appreciated His Excellency for his commitment to good Governance and his positive disposition to people’s welfare, infrastructural development, peace and security in the pace setter state.
