Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has dismissed reports alleging a confrontation between him and the Council of Afobajes over the ongoing Awujale selection process, describing the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately fabricated.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, and made available to journalists in Abeokuta.
According to the statement, the Governor recently held a consultative meeting with the Council of Afobajes, similar to earlier engagements he had with the Olori Ebis, which were previously polarized but later harmonized through dialogue.
The statement noted that such engagements had, in the past, helped resolve disputes, including persuading one of the kingmakers to withdraw a court case.
It explained that discussions during the meeting focused strictly on issues of mutual concern and the overall progress of traditional institutions in Ijebuland, stressing that the meeting was conducted in a calm and respectful atmosphere.
The government also dismissed claims that the Governor issued threats or ultimatums to the kingmakers, describing statements such as “No Kuye, No Awujale” as entirely fictitious. It insisted that no member of the Afobajes would support such claims, as no such incident occurred.
The statement accused mischief makers of spreading falsehoods to create unnecessary tension around the revered Awujale stool, adding that the Governor has consistently demonstrated deep respect for the throne and traditional institutions.
Governor Abiodun, the statement added, remains committed to due process, dialogue, and harmony, while ensuring a fair and transparent process in the selection of a new Awujale.
The public, traditional stakeholders, and the media were urged to disregard unverified reports and rely on information from official sources.
