……As Four recognised ruling houses reaffirm High Chief Johnson Ojo Oladapo as lawful Olugbobamu, accuse Olobu of Ilobu of bypassing due process and violating the 1983 Chieftaincy Declaration.
The Molebi of Gbobamu Community has firmly rejected the purported installation of Mr. Serif Oyedokun as the new Olugbobamu, insisting that no vacancy exists on the stool and reaffirming High Chief Johnson Ojo Oladapo as the recognised and lawful Olugbobamu/Baale of Gbobamu Community.
In a statement jointly endorsed by representatives of the four recognised ruling houses of Ologele, Oyamakinde, Oke and Fagbayibi, the Molebi described the installation as unknown to, unsupported by and unacceptable to the authentic ruling houses of Gbobamu.
According to the statement, historical records and the extant 1983 Chieftaincy Declaration governing succession to the stool clearly recognise a rotational arrangement among the four ruling houses. The Molebi maintained that the declaration remains valid and binding and continues to regulate succession to the traditional stool.
The community leaders stressed that High Chief Johnson Ojo Oladapo remains the recognised and reigning Olugbobamu and continues to enjoy the confidence and legitimacy of the recognised ruling houses and the people of Gbobamu. They noted that the position earlier communicated to the Olobu Palace, that there is no vacancy on the stool, has not changed.
The statement further alleged that the purported installation of Mr. Oyedokun violated the provisions of the 1983 Chieftaincy Declaration and failed to comply with established legal and customary procedures regulating the nomination, selection and installation of traditional title holders in Osun State.
According to the Molebi, the process allegedly ignored the recognised ruling houses, bypassed customary consultations and disregarded the traditional succession structure that has guided the community for decades.
The community also called on all recognised traditional office holders and members of the Gbobamu-in-Council, including the Jagun and Bara Gbobamu, to return to the council in the interest of unity, peace and preservation of the community’s traditions.
Reaffirming the historical identity of Gbobamu, the Molebi asserted that the community remains an autochthonous settlement with its own recognised traditional institution, customs and chieftaincy structure which deserve respect from all authorities and stakeholders.
The statement appealed to the Irepodun/Orolu Traditional Council, the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, relevant ministries, departments and agencies responsible for local government and chieftaincy affairs, as well as other authorities, to condemn actions capable of creating tension and instability within Gbobamu and neighbouring communities.
The Molebi further urged law enforcement and security agencies to prevent any acts of intimidation, harassment, threats or coercion against High Chief Johnson Ojo Oladapo and members of the Molebi, reiterating that the community had formally informed the palace that it would not present any candidate for installation because no vacancy exists on the stool.
While expressing commitment to peace, lawful engagement and harmonious coexistence within Ilobu and Osun State, the Molebi warned against any attempt to undermine the provisions of the Chieftaincy Declaration or impose leadership contrary to established law, custom and due process.
The statement was signed on behalf of the four recognised ruling houses of Gbobamu by representatives:
- For Fagbayibi Family – Sodiq Rasheed
- For Oke Family – Yekeen Qozeem
- For Oyamakinde Family – Odebunmi Nurudeen
- For Ologele Family – Francis Oparinde (Baale Ile Ologele)
