The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with the Ijebu Ode Local Government, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that three prominent traditional chiefs in Ijebu land have been suspended from the Council of Chiefs.
In a joint statement signed by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, and the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, the authorities described the report as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to create tension and disaffection within Ijebu land.
The statement clarified that the chiefs named in the viral publication, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Lapoekun of Ijebu land, Chief Tunde Odulaja, and the Madasa of Ijebu land, Chief Lekan Oshifeso, have not been suspended or sanctioned in any form.
According to the ministry and the local government, no suspension has been approved or carried out by any recognised traditional institution or by the Ogun State Government regarding the affected chiefs. They emphasised that chieftaincy matters are governed by established laws, customs and due process, none of which has been initiated against the traditional titleholders mentioned.
Describing the publication as the handiwork of mischief makers, the government urged members of the public to disregard the report and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing confusion or undermining traditional institutions.
Residents were further advised to rely solely on official government communication channels for accurate and verified information on matters relating to traditional leadership and chieftaincy affairs in the state.
