Awujale: Abiodun Denies Alleged Imposition Of Candidates, Warns Fake News Purveyors

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has rubbished the report of alleged confrontation with the Council of Afobajes (kingmakers) over the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, as being speculated in some quarters.

The clarification followed the viral claim that the recent stoppage of the selection process of the new Awujale was due to the attempt by the Governor to impose one of the aspirants, Prince Kuye, as the next monarch for the Ijebuland.

But, Abiodun in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the claims as completely false and misleading.

The Governor explained that he recently held a respectful consultative meeting with the kingmakers as part of his ongoing efforts to foster harmony in traditional affairs.

He added that the move is also akin to past engagements that led to the harmonization of the previously polarized Olori Ebis and the withdrawal of a litigation by a kingmaker.

The governor’s office specifically refuted alleged statements attributed to him, such as “No Kuye, No Awujale,” labeling them as “entirely fabricated” and bearing no relation to him or his administration.

“No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened. This is once again the fabrication of falsehoods by mischief makers,” the statement read.

Abiodun reiterated his commitment to due process, the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair selection process for the revered Awujale stool. 

According to him, his administration emphasized its priority for dialogue and the preservation of cultural values.

The governor, however, asked the public, traditional stakeholders, and the media to disregard the reports and rely solely on verified information from official channels.