The Council of Otunbas in Ijebuland has dismissed reports suggesting that holders of the Otunba title are disqualified from ascending the Awujale stool.
In a letter addressed to the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, the Otunbas stated that there is no law or registered custom preventing Otunba titleholders from becoming Awujale.
The letter was jointly signed by the council’s chairman, B. Alebiosu, second vice chairman, Akin Osiyemi, and secretary, Ayodele Osibogun.
The council emphasised that the Otunba title has historically not been a barrier to kingship, noting that several Otunbas have ascended to obaship positions over time.
The Otunbas also warned that the Awujale stool is a sacred traditional institution, not a political office, and any exclusion of eligible candidates could lead to legal disputes and communal unrest.
They urged that the selection process should remain free of bias to protect the integrity of the Ijebu traditional institution.
The council explained that their letter was written “in the interest of peace, legality, tradition, and historical accuracy concerning the ongoing process for selecting the next Awujale of Ijebu Land.”
They cited the Chieftaincy Declarations registered in 1957 and approved in 1959, stating that succession to the Awujale stool is governed solely by these declarations.
According to the council, the declarations contain no provision, express or implied, that disqualifies an otherwise eligible candidate merely because he previously held the Otunba title.
The Otunbas further stated that any alleged customary rule not expressly included in the registered declarations has no legal effect following their promulgation.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions over eligibility for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, with some narratives introducing purported disqualifications that the Otunbas said lack foundation in law or registered custom.
