Group seeks Makinde’s intervention over Ikoyi-Ile stool
A group Ikoyi Land Vanguards has appealed for the intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde over the vacant stool of Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, urging him to prevail on parties to await decisions of court on the matter.
It said it has faith in Makinde’s fair -mindedness, humaneness and respect for the rule of law.
Speaking with newsmen, the chairman of the group, Taofeek Lawal said Prof. Saka Oladunni Jimoh emerged as the new Onikoyi of Ikoyi Ile after the stool of Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile became vacant following the demise of late Oba Abdul-yekeen Ayinla Oladipupo IV in April, 2022.
He however expressed worries some supporters of aspirants who contested with Jimoh have resorted to peddling rumours around that he is not an indigene of Ikoyi Ile.
Lawal said their claim was a blatant lie because the forum was familiar with Prof Saka Jimoh’s family and history, saying his ancestors, from the 17th century to date, lived and died in Ikoyi-Ile.
He stated that Prof. Jimoh’s 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.
He said, “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.
“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.
“Following the demise of the last Onikoyi, king makers, with the permission of the ministry of local government and Chieftaincy matters and Oriire local government, 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.
“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.
“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.”
