RE: ILLEGAL APPOINTMENT OF MRS AYOKA AGBOKE AS IYALODE GENERAL OF IFO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE UNWARRANTED REMARKS OF THE OLU OF MAPARA
Our attention has been drawn to the recent public comments credited to the Olu of Mapara regarding the decision of Alagbado in Council on the illegal appointment of Mrs Ayoka Agboke as Iyalode General of Ifo Local Government.
For the records and for the benefit of the public, we state as follows:
*On Jurisdiction and Standing*
The Olu of Mapara is at best a coronet Oba with no territorial jurisdiction over Agbado Kingdom. He lacks both the traditional authority and legal standing to question, oppose, or comment on matters relating to the traditional rulership of Agbado.
It is on record that it was the same Alagbado Monarch who recommended him for recognition as a coronet Oba to the last administration in 2019. The ingratitude now being displayed is unfortunate and unbecoming.
*On Chieftaincy Law and Court Judgments*
The Olu of Mapara has chosen to misrepresent the law in public. We advise him to source and study the judgment of Hon. Justice Owodunni delivered on 25th May 2017 in Suit No. HCT/199/2012 at the Ipokia Judicial Division. That is the judgment Alagbado in Council relied upon.
With regards to the judgment of Hon. Justice Ogunfowora which he quoted out of context, the matter is currently pending at the Court of Appeal with a motion for stay of execution filed. In law, a pending motion for stay is as good as a stay until heard and determined. More importantly, there has been no cross-appeal from the other side since 2019, which in effect means acceptance of the judgment as delivered.
*On Recognition and Status*
If Oba Adedayo Shyllon is not a recognized Oba, would the Ogun State Government have included him among the 40 recognized Obas in the state and presented him with an official vehicle from the fleet of 40 new Jeeps, out of over 300 Obas in Ogun State?
The public should also ask the Olu of Mapara about his own official vehicle and the so-called “Abosule” that the Ogun State Government and even the Egba Traditional Council have denied knowledge of in court till date.
*On the Claim of 16 Obas*
The Olu of Mapara claimed that 16 Obas attended a meeting where an illegal Iyalode General was installed. He should be asked to produce proof of any endorsement by those Obas. If any endorsement exists, why is it not signed by first-class and second-class Obas, but rather by a coronet Baale Oba of barely one year on the throne?
*Our Position Remains*
It is now clear to all that the present Local Government Chairman is the one stoking crisis in Agbado community.
However, nothing will change the resolution of Alagbado in Council: *the appointment of Mrs Ayoka Agboke as Iyalode General of Ifo Local Government remains illegal, null and void, and unrecognized by Agbado Kingdom.*
The Olu of Mapara, being a minor coronet Oba under minor chieftaincy, is too junior in status and tradition to speak against His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedayo Shyllon.
The public can now judge for themselves the level of ungratefulness and disregard for due process being displayed.
Signed,
ALAGBADO IN COUNCIL
Agbado Kingdom
Ifo Local Government Area
Ogun State
