Igbajo Citizens Reject Sunday Akere’s Claim, Reaffirm Oba Makinde as Legitimate Owa

The succession dispute over the Owa of Igbajo Iloro Land has taken a new turn as concerned citizens officially rejected claims by Hon. Sunday Akere regarding the late Prince Adegboyega Famodun.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the citizens clarified that the authentic and duly crowned Owa is His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde (Onigemo I), Ph.D, fca, fcti, cfe. The statement emphasized that Oba Makinde’s installation followed all required traditional rites, sacrifices, and approvals by the recognized custodians of Igbajo tradition, including Omo Ejemus, Omo Olufe, and Onibayan.

The statement noted that Hon. Akere, who holds the title of Oluomo of Igbajo, is not a native of Igbajo Iloro Land, hailing instead from Oke-Irun in Boluwaduro Local Government Area. “Holding a title does not confer authority to speak on the rightful Owa or to challenge Igbajo traditions,” the statement read.

It further stressed that the late Prince Famodun did not complete the essential rites and sacrifices necessary for installation. His brief stay in Ipebi over two days, the statement said, fell far short of traditional requirements and therefore could not confer legitimacy.

The citizens urged all parties to respect the ongoing legal process, noting that the matter of succession is currently before the courts. Hon. Akere was formally advised to refrain from making further public statements until the court delivers its verdict, with a warning that misrepresentation could create confusion or unrest in the community.

“Personal affiliations or social memberships cannot alter the legitimacy of the Owa,” the statement said, reaffirming the authority and recognition of Oba Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde (Onigemo I) as the lawful ruler of Igbajo Iloro Land.

The dispute highlights the sensitivity of traditional succession matters in Yoruba land, where adherence to customs, approval by lineage custodians, and proper completion of rites remain key determinants of legitimacy.