Ondo community raises alarm over prolonged vacancy of traditional stool – Tribune Online

Tension is mounting in Igbodigo community in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State over the prolonged delay in appointing a regent to oversee the affairs of the town following the demise of its monarch, raising fears of a possible communal crisis.

The growing concern was formally conveyed in a petition addressed to the state governor and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by Banjo Ayenakin & Co., legal representatives of Chief Abayomi Simeon Monehin, the Ojomo of Igbodigo Kingdom.

In the petition, the solicitors warned that the continued absence of a regent since the passing of the Obagberume of Igbodigo, Oba J.E. Ayeku, has created a leadership vacuum capable of destabilising peace and traditional order in the community if not urgently addressed.

They explained that under the Chiefs Law of Ondo State and established native customs, the appointment of a regent is a mandatory step required to maintain stability and continuity in traditional governance pending the emergence of a substantive monarch.

According to the legal representatives, the absence of a recognised traditional authority has left the community without a central figure to coordinate traditional institutions, mediate disputes among residents, and liaise effectively with government authorities on community matters.

The petition further noted that the development has heightened tension among stakeholders and increased fears of factional disputes, particularly as residents reportedly feel sidelined in recent government engagements involving traditional institutions across the state.

The lawyers argued that their client, Chief Monehin, as the duly installed Ojomo of Igbodigo and the most senior traditional authority in the kingdom, remains the most qualified to be appointed regent in line with both legal provisions and historical precedent.

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They recalled that in 1995, during a similar situation, the then Ojomo, High Chief Cornelius Fagbemigun, was appointed regent by the state government, insisting that the same procedure should be followed to prevent further tension within the community.

The solicitors also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government to appoint their client as regent or face legal action, warning that continued delay could escalate uncertainty and discontent among residents of the kingdom.

Responding to the concerns, an official of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs stated that the state government has maintained a neutral and non-partisan stance in traditional leadership matters, noting that while government does not interfere in succession processes and it will soon take steps to address the situation.

 The stool of the Obagberume of Igbodigo has remained vacant since the demise of Oba Ayeku on January 9, 2025.