The Council of Otunbas in Ijebuland has firmly refuted recent reports that holders of the Otunba title are disqualified from ascending the revered Awujale stool. In an official communication addressed to the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, the Otunbas clarified that there is no legal or customary prohibition preventing anyone who holds the Otunba title from being considered for the position of Awujale. This assertion is grounded in both legal precedent and historical practice within the Ijebu traditional system.
In a letter jointly signed by the council’s chairman, B. Alebiosu, second vice chairman, Akin Osiyemi, and secretary, Ayodele Osibogun, the Otunba Council emphasized that the Otunba title has never been a barrier to kingship within Ijebu Land. Over the centuries, numerous Otunbas have successfully ascended to obaship positions, underscoring the flexibility of Ijebu royal succession. This practice, they argue, should not be altered based on unfounded claims or political maneuvering.
The council warned that the Awujale stool is a sacred traditional institution, not a political office, and should be treated with the utmost respect and reverence. They further cautioned that any attempt to exclude qualified individuals based on their prior holding of the Otunba title could spark legal disputes and fuel communal unrest. Such actions, they argue, would undermine the integrity of the Ijebu traditional system, which has always prioritized fairness and the preservation of cultural heritage.
In their statement, the Otunbas made clear that their letter was motivated by a desire to safeguard the peace, legality, and historical accuracy of the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale. They referenced the Chieftaincy Declarations registered in 1957 and approved in 1959, which lay out the guidelines for succession to the Awujale stool. According to the council, these declarations make no mention of the Otunba title as a disqualifying factor, further solidifying their argument that such a rule has no basis in law.
In conclusion, the Council of Otunbas urged the Awujale selection process to remain free from bias, ensuring that all eligible candidates, regardless of their previous titles, are considered in the spirit of tradition and justice. The Otunbas have made it clear that any customs not explicitly included in the Chieftaincy Declarations hold no legal weight, reinforcing the importance of adhering strictly to the provisions outlined in the official documents.
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