The Obaladi-in-Council of Afon Land, in Ogun State’s Imeko-Afon local government area, has urged the state government to postpone the community’s proposed monarch installation.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Thursday, the Aro of Afon land, High Chief Niyi Odeyale, stated that the proposed installation is prejudicial to the ongoing court case and a flagrant disregard for judicial process.
Chief Odeyale stated that the suspension is necessary to avoid a breakdown in law and order.
He urged the state government, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to halt Jimoh Ajani Fagbohun’s installation as Olobada of Obada on Afon land until the ongoing Suit No: AB/819/2023, before Honourable Justice O. Ogunfowora of Ogun State High Court sitting at High Court No. 7, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, is decided.
Part of the statement reads: “The Kabiyesi and the Obaladi in-Council believe it is very expedient to address some issues surrounding the creation and existence of Obada-Afon, particularly the recent upgrading of one of the three Baales vying for town leadership.
“On Wednesday, February 28, 1962, Obada was established as a market town under legal frameworks put in place by the then councillor representing Afon Ward in the then Egbado-Ketu District Council, Chief Joel Ogungbe, during the reign of our respected Oba Jinadu Ajao Adetona, Orimadegun II, the Obaladi of Afon.
“This decision, however, was made under the auspices of the Egbado-Ketu District, with a letter titled PERMISSION TO ESTABLISH A MARKET with Reference No 245/179, emphasizing the lawful foundation on which Obada was founded and the traditional authority that governs it.
“This background is very important because it clarifies the critical historical facts about the proper prescribed authority over Obada town in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
“The Council does, however, commend the decision of the government of Ogun State, led by our amiable Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to officially upgrade the Baale of Obada to an Oba. Obaladi in Council respects the Governor’s ingenuity and welcomes the new development.
“However, it is critical to assert that the Obaladi of Afon hold the legitimate sovereign authority over Obada. Any claims made by other individuals or groups attempting to usurp this authority are unfounded in historical fact and should be treated with caution.
“Since the case determining ownership of the Obada-Afon town is still pending in court, it is clearly unthinkable that an Oba will be installed, as this could be detrimental to the ongoing case and a flagrant disregard for judicial process.
“We implore the government of Ogun State, alongside the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to consider the ramifications of this situation and immediately suspend the installation of Jimoh Ajani Fagbohun as Olobada of Obada on Afon land pending the determination of the ongoing Suit No: AB/819/2023, pending before Honourable Justice O. Ogunfowora of Ogun State High Court sitting at High Court
“We request your assistance in ensuring that the traditions and historical facts that underpin the authority of the Obaladi of Afon are upheld.
“This is more than just a matter of titles; it is a profound issue that affects both Afon’s communal identity and Obada’s historical legacy. It is our collective responsibility to uphold these traditions and ensure that there is no breach of peace or respect for our history.”
