A new Orimolusi has emerged in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, after 27 years battle to fill the vacant first-class stool.
Ijebu-Igbo, one of the major towns in Ogun State, is the home town of late eminent politician and Afenifere Chieftain, Chief Abraham Adesanya, late Senator Buruji Kasamu, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, a former Deputy Governor of the state, among others.
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The last Orimolusi, Oba Sani Adetayo, joined his ancestors in May 1994. Ever since then, the seat has been without an occupant due to a dispute over who would succeed him.
The protracted crisis was among nine contestants from the same Ojuronmi Ruling House, whose turn it is to produce the next king.
However, respite came on Tuesday when the kingmakers of the community elected Prince Lawrence Jayeola Lawrence Adebajo, as Orimolusi-elect.
Daily Trust gathered that Adebajo polled six votes to defeat Prince Soliu Sadiku in the election, who had four votes.
The State government on Wednesday said that an Oba-elect for the stool of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo has emerged.
The State government said the emergence followed the voting of 10 out of the 11 warrant chiefs appointed by the state government to elect candidate for the vacant stool of Orimolusi.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, made this known while fielding questions from journalists shortly after presenting Certificate and Staff of Office to the Alale of Moriwi, Oba Olusegun Taiwo, in Imeko/Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Afuape said, “An Oba-elect has emerged as Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo,” but added that he has not got details of the process that led to the emergence.
He said, “The information that got to me yesterday (Tuesday) at the election. The chiefs voted yesterday and I think Oba – elect actually emerged.
“When I get to the Office, I will get you more details. But for now, there is an Oba-elect.”