New Era in Kano! Governor Abba Yusuf Inaugurates Reconstituted Kano Council of Emirs Led by Sanusi II

Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially inaugurated the reconstituted Kano Council of Emirs, restoring the traditional structure with Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II serving as Chairman. The council also includes Emirs from Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.

This development was revealed in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday in Kano.

The inauguration follows the signing of the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024, which dissolved the five emirate councils established under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, returning Kano to its historic unified emirate structure.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Government House Coronation Hall, Governor Yusuf emphasized that reinstating the Council aims to strengthen peace, stability, and development across Kano State.

He described the traditional institution as “a pillar of history, guardian of values, custodian of heritage, and an indispensable partner in governance.”

Governor Yusuf added that the Council is expected to serve as a central platform where royal fathers can meet, deliberate, and provide meaningful guidance on issues affecting the people.

The Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, expressed confidence that the restored Council will significantly contribute to the state's development.

Earlier, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, traced the historical roots of the Kano Emirate, highlighting its over 700-year legacy of unity under one Emir.

Responding on behalf of the Emirs, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II commended Governor Yusuf's leadership and pledged the full support of the Emirates toward the progress and stability of Kano State.

Osun Monarchs Appeal to Adeleke Over Alleged Plot to Reverse Their Elevation

Two newly elevated traditional rulers in Osun State have raised concerns over a purported attempt by officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to revoke their appointments.

The monarchs—Olokeolooru Obalufon of Okeolooru Obalufon, Oba Adebisi Mukaila Michael, and Onirante of Irante, Oba Ogundele Olasunkanmi Mathew—were elevated to Part II Obas by Governor Ademola Adeleke during the state executive council meeting on Friday, September 12, 2025, according to a letter from their counsel, Sulaiman Akano.

Before their elevation, the two monarchs served as community chiefs (Baale) under the Akinfin Traditional Council in Boluwaduro Local Government. Reports indicate that each monarch paid N500,000 to cover the presentation of their staff of office and instrument of appointment.

However, a few days after receiving their appointment letters and staff of office, the monarchs were allegedly informed of a plan by some ministry officials to reverse their elevation.

In a letter dated September 23, addressed to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, their counsel urged Governor Adeleke to intervene and prevent any attempt to annul the appointments.

The letter stated in part:

“After our clients were duly screened and cleared by both the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, approved their elevation to Part II (Recognised Status) under the Chief’s Law (Cap. 25) Laws of Osun State 2002 during the EXCO meeting held on September 12, 2025.
Our clients received appointment letters on September 15 and were presented with their staff of office on September 16. The elevation was gazetted in the Osun State of Nigeria Gazette on September 18, 2025.”


The letter further alleged that the Oluresi of Iresi is conspiring with some ministry officials to reverse the appointments. The counsel warned that such a move could spark unrest between the affected communities.

“The appointment and elevation of our clients were well received by their communities. Any attempt to reverse the appointments could trigger communal tension. We appeal to your office to caution and restrain the Oluresi of Iresi and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from taking such action,” the letter added.


The counsel emphasized that the monarchs are prepared to take legal action against anyone involved in the alleged conspiracy if the matter is not addressed.

Attempts to reach Barr. Dosu Babatunde, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

EFCC Declares Akolawole, Enweremadu "Wanted" For Fraud And Money Laundering Cases.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared 38-year-old Abdusalam Abdussamad Akolawole wanted for alleged conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

In a notice signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said:

"Abdusalam Abdussamad Akolawole, an indigene of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Conspiracy and Obtaining Money by False Pretence.

His last known address is River Park Estate, Cluster 1, Babatunde Folawiyo Plot 101, Lugbe, Abuja."

The Commission added: "Anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission’s offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja."

Similarly, the EFCC declared Christopher Enweremadu, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Abia State, wanted for alleged conspiracy, diversion of public funds, stealing, and money laundering.

In another notice, also signed by Oyewale, the EFCC said:

"The public is hereby notified that CHRISTOPHER ENWEREMADU, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Diversion of Public Funds, Stealing and Money Laundering. He is a 58-year-old indigene of Abia State, and his last known address is Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia, Abia State."

The agency further appealed: "Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja offices."

Ogun governor meets transition council. urges neutrality in selection of new Awujale
Mr Abiodun said the installation of an Awujale required a detailed and carefully coordinated process.

gun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has met with the body overseeing traditional and administrative matters during the transition period of installing a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

Information Officer at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rasak Sekoni, said that the meeting took place on Friday in Abeokuta.

While receiving the Transition Council in Abeokuta, Mr Abiodun said the installation of an Awujale required a detailed and carefully coordinated process.

He recalled that inaugurating the council in August was necessary to sustain the traditional and administrative roles long associated with the Awujale Palace.

The governor was represented by the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.

Mr Abiodun assured of government support, stressing that the council’s success was crucial in sustaining the legacy of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

He urged the council to be united, fair and unbiased in discharging their responsibilities in the collective interest of stakeholders.

Mr Abiodun further charged members to maintain neutrality when the process of filling Awujale’s vacant stool formally begins.

Osun Governor Orders Action On Ipetumodu Stool After Monarch’s US Fraud Conviction

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Dosu Babatunde, to take swift action on the Ipetumodu throne crisis following the jailing of the community’s monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, in the United States for COVID-19 loan fraud.

Oba Oloyede, the 27th Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, was convicted in Ohio for fraudulently accessing U.S. pandemic loan schemes between April 2020 and February 2022. He was sentenced to over four years in prison, ordered to forfeit assets, and pay $4.4 million in restitution.

His conviction has split the Ipetumodu community, with some insisting the stool remain vacant until his return, while others are demanding an immediate replacement. A recent meeting of princes reportedly ended in chaos after disagreement on whether to declare the throne vacant.

Governor Adeleke addressed the issue at Friday’s State Executive Council meeting, alongside other policy matters including ICT expansion, youth agropreneurship, sports development, and climate change initiatives.

#Osun #Ipetumodu #Adeleke

Obi of Lagos’ has confessed to fraud Police.

The Lagos State Police Command says Chibuike Azubike, the 65-year-old man recently arrested, has confessed that his plan to install himself as the Obi of Lagos was nothing more than an elaborate fraud scheme.

The police said he confessed that he aimed at deceiving the public and collecting money under false pretences.

According to a statement by the command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, Azubike admitted during police interrogation that the planned unveiling of a N1.5 billion so-called Palace of the Obi of Lagos was designed to lure unsuspecting individuals and investors into parting with their money.

The suspect confessed that the entire installation event was fabricated to give legitimacy to a scam. He admitted he is not a traditional ruler and has no claim to the title of ‘Obi of Lagos.’ His goal was to fleece guests and attendees, Oluseyi said.

According to to the police Azubike, who also falsely claimed to be an engineer, had revealed he was merely a supplier of construction materials with no professional qualifications. He was arrested alongside three alleged accomplices while preparing for the fake coronation ceremony, which was scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.

Further investigations, according to the police, revealed that the event was designed to mimic a traditional installation in order to build trust and attract high-profile individuals, likely with the aim of collecting donations, pledges, or investments tied to the bogus palace project.

There is no recognition or approval of Azubike’s claims by any chieftaincy or traditional council in Lagos. The palace unveiling was nothing but a front to legitimise fraud, Oluseyi added.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has warned residents to remain vigilant and not fall for similar scams that exploit cultural titles and traditions to defraud the public.

Osun Kingmakers Oppose Plot to Dethrone Monarch Imprisoned in the U.S

Tension gripped Ipetumodu, Osun State, on Tuesday during a meeting of princes over the fate of Oba Joseph Oloyede, the 27th Apetumodu, recently jailed in the U.S. for COVID-19 loan fraud.

Oba Oloyede was sentenced to over four years in prison, ordered to forfeit assets, and repay $4.4m. His conviction has fueled calls for Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the throne vacant.

At the palace meeting chaired by the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Chief Sunday Adedeji, calm gave way to chaos when a prince demanded that Adedeji, as the most senior kingmaker, formally notify the governor. Adedeji refused, announced he was no longer interested in being a kingmaker, and recused himself from the process. The decision triggered heated arguments, forcing the meeting to collapse without resolution.

Prince Olaboye Ayoola of the Aribile Ruling House expressed disappointment, saying: “We decided that two new kingmakers should be elected and a letter sent to the governor declaring the stool vacant. But Chief Adedeji rejected this, and chaos followed.”

Adedeji later confirmed his stance, stating only, “It is true. Peace has to reign first.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio confirmed Oloyede’s conviction in August, noting he exploited COVID-19 loan programmes under the CARES Act between 2020 and 2022.

The case has deepened divisions in Ipetumodu. Princes of Aribile argue the throne should remain with them, either until Oloyede completes his sentence or through another candidate from their house. But the rival Fagbemokun house insists it is their turn to produce the next Apetumodu.

Osun State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, said the government would obtain a Certified True Copy of the U.S. judgment before deciding. Security was tight at the meeting, with DSS operatives stationed outside the palace.

Founder of Vivian Fowler Memorial College, Leila Fowler, Passes On at 92

Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, the Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away at the age of 92.

Her death was confirmed in a statement issued by the school on Sunday. “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Chief (Mrs.) Fowler was a true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist who founded Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991. Her life was a testament to the power of empowering young women through education.

Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence,” the statement read. Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Fowler (née Moore) attended CMS Girls’ School and Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha.

She began her career in teaching before training as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. She later studied law at Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in 1962, and to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.

Fowler specialised in insurance law and consultancy and also served in public life, including as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980. She was actively involved with the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.

Her passion for education led to the founding of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991, in honour of her late daughter. The school has since grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost all-girls institutions, known for academic excellence and leadership development.

Fowler was widowed in 2015 following the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler. She was later honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

Described by the school as a devout Christian, philanthropist and mentor, Fowler “will be deeply missed… Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”

Niger Assembly Seeks Renovation of Fire-Damaged School of Health Technology

The Niger State House of Assembly has urged the state government to urgently renovate the School of Health Technology, Tungan Magajiya, Rijau LGA, after a July 29 fire destroyed major parts of the institution.

Hon. Bello Bako, representing Rijau Constituency, moved the motion, stressing the need for reconstruction and replacement of lost properties.

Meanwhile, the Assembly adopted a report by its Committee on Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, which flagged poor revenue generation, overreliance on statutory allocations, and procurement violations across the state’s 25 LGAs.

Speaker Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkindaji directed that the recommendations be forwarded to the executive for action.

#NigerAssembly #SchoolRenovation #TunganMagajiya

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has approved the appointment of Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami as the new Emir of Zuru.

His appointment follows the death of Emir Muhammad Sani Sami Gomo II, who passed away on August 16, 2025, in London.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Dutsin-Mari, Sami emerged winner after securing the highest votes from the Zuru Emirate election committee screening three candidates.

He urged the new Emir to lead with diligence and fear of God.

#Kebbi #Zuru #Emir #TraditionalRulers #BreakingNews

Yoruba Chieftaincy Tussle Deepens: Olukosi Backs Ooni, Questions Alaafin's Authority
The Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, Oba Omotooyosi Akinleye, has publicly challenged the Alaafin of Oyo’s claim to exclusive authority over chieftaincy titles in Yorubaland. This follows a 48-hour ultimatum from the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, demanding the Ooni of Ife revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title recently bestowed on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
Oba Akinleye asserted that traditional rulers' powers are limited to their respective domains, emphasizing the Ooni’s primacy as the custodian of the Oduduwa heritage. The debate has sparked strong reactions online, with some referencing a Supreme Court ruling backing the Alaafin’s claims.
The dispute highlights deepening divisions over hierarchy and authority within the Yoruba traditional system.
#YorubaTradition
#OoniVsAlaafin
#ChieftaincyDispute

Ooni–Alaafin Rift: ‘Powers Of Traditional Rulers End At LG Level,’ Ex-Govt Aide

A former aide to the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Doyin Odebowale, has faulted the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, over his demand that the Ooni of Ife revoke a chieftaincy title conferred on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Odebowale said monarchs derive authority only within their local government areas and cannot override elected officials. He added that colonial chieftaincy laws had long reduced their powers.

The remarks follow a clash between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, after the latter conferred the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on Sanusi. The Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding revocation, claiming sole authority over such titles.

The Ooni’s camp dismissed the ultimatum as an “empty threat,” while the Alaafin’s aides later clarified that he was defending Yoruba tradition, not seeking supremacy.

#Ooni #Alaafin #YorubaTradition

Royal Rift in Yorubaland: Alaafin vs. Ooni

The Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, Oba Omotooyosi Bayo M. Akinleye, has challenged the authority of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, stating it does not extend beyond Oyo land.

This comes after the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the revocation of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on businessman Dotun Sanusi (Ilaji).

Akinleye emphasised:

“No child is older than who fathered them; we are all children of Oduduwa, and the Ooni sits on our father’s throne.”

The dispute has sparked debates online, with some citing a Supreme Court ruling affirming the Alaafin’s authority over such titles, while others question its scope beyond Oyo.

Ooni, Alaafin Differ Over Chieftaincy Title For Businessman

A dispute has erupted between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over a chieftaincy title conferred on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.

On Monday, the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum, describing the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and claiming only the Alaafin has exclusive authority to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland.

But the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said the monarch will not dignify the threat with a response, urging focus on unity rather than division.

The Alaafin insists failure to revoke the title would attract “consequences.”

#OoniOfIfe #AlaafinOfOyo #Yoruba #Chieftaincy #Nigeria #Tradition #DotunSanusi

Emir of Zuru of Kebbi dies at 81.

Kebbi State has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Emir of Zuru, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Sani Sami (retd).

The emir passed away on Saturday night at the age of 81.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Garba Umar-Dutsinmari, confirmed the monarch’s death in a statement released to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

According to the statement, the Emir died in a London hospital after a brief illness.

He is survived by four wives and seven children.

In a condolence message, the Kebbi State Government expressed its deep grief over the passing of the revered traditional ruler, describing him as a respected leader whose contributions to peace and development in Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State will be remembered.

“The government extends its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Emir, the Zuru Emirate Council, the people of Zuru, and the entire people of Kebbi State.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” the statement read.

Details regarding the burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Benue Assembly Suspends Five Lawmakers for Tampering with LG Report

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended five members of the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs for three sittings. The suspension follows allegations that they altered the report on the activities of the Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, to cover up misappropriation and abuse of office.

An ad-hoc committee has been set up to investigate the matter further. The suspended lawmakers are Hon. Shimawua Terna, Hon. Mathew Damkor, Hon. Cephas Dyako, Hon. Moses Egbodo, and Hon. Isaac Echekliye.

#BenueAssembly #LocalGovernment #PoliticalAccountability #NigeriaPolitics

Igbogbo Obaship tussle: Court fixes Oct. 14 for hearing.

The Lagos High Court in Ikorodu has fixed October 14 for hearing in the ongoing dispute over the obaship tussle of Oba of Igbogbo in Ikorodu.

Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe adjourned after listening to the submissions of the counsel.

The claimants in the suit IKD/1162GCMW/2015 are Mrs Oyindamola Osho-Ojuba, Mr Olusanya Adeyemi Osho-Ojuba, Mr Sakiru Odufuwa Osho-Ojuba, Alhaja Karimotu Talabi and Mr Rasaq Ero Osho-Ojuba.

The claimants appeared for themselves and as representatives of the members of Ijaolu-Osho-Ojuba Ruling House of Igbogbo, Lagos State.

The respondents are the Lagos State Government, Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Others are Executive Secretary, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area and Chief Tajudeen Onasanya (Odofin Of Igbogbo), Chief Ganiu Omotayo, Alhaji Nasirudeen Oyekande and Alhaji Kolawole Jubril.

The legal battle over the Igbogbo Obaship stool, which began in 2015, has seen multiple judges preside over the matter at various times due to transfers and administrative reassignments.

The claimant’s Counsel, Mr M.O. Ishola, had, however, informed the court that there was a a pending injunction on April 19, 2016, but the monarch and the chiefs of Adeboruwa Oba-in-Council disobeyed the court order and nominated an Oba.

Justice Akintunde Savage, who had initially presided over the matter, has since been transferred to the Ikeja Division.

Popular Lagos Socialite, Abu Abel, Arrested Over Alleged ₦447m Land Fraud.

Lagos socialite Olaseni Johnson Olayinka, widely known as Abu Abel, has been arrested by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, over his alleged involvement in a ₦447 million land sc@m.

The arrest was carried out by a tactical team led by CSP Taiwo Oyewole on the directive of AIG Margaret Ochalla. According to police sources, Abel had been on the run for weeks before he was eventually apprehended at a hideout in Victoria Island, Lagos.

His arrest followed a petition by Doyin Investment Group of Companies, which accused him of fra¥dulently selling three plots of land in the Mayegun area of Eti-Osa, Lagos, under the false pretense that he owned the property.

The land, located on Augustina Orji Street within the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family land, reportedly measures about 1,800 square metres. The company claimed it paid ₦447 million for the plots after a Deed of Assignment was executed in 2023.

However, it later discovered that the land was already encumbered and under third-party claims. When confronted, Abel allegedly admitted knowledge of the issue and agreed to refund the money. He made partial repayments totaling ₦230 million before defaulting on the remaining ₦217 million.

In January 2024, he signed a written undertaking pledging to repay the balance or forfeit a property in Lekki if he failed to do so. Despite this, he allegedly refused to honour the agreement and instead filed a human rights lawsuit, which authorities say was an attempt to obstruct justice.

Recovered from Abel during his arrest were documents including payment receipts, the Deed of Assignment, and written correspondence with the complainants. A senior officer revealed that he is also being investigated for alleged ties to a secret c¥lt group involved in fra¥d, land grabbing, and intimidation across Lagos and Ogun States.

He is expected to face multiple charges including obtaining money under false pretence, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to defra¥d — offences punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Criminal Code Act.

Awujale: Now they’ve brought in a heavy presence of police and soldiers. Who wants to die? - Traditionalists.

According to a report by the Punch on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Ogun State Government has stated its readiness to face legal challenges over the burial of the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who was interred in accordance with Islamic customs. This comes amid strong opposition from traditionalists who claim that established burial rites were ignored.

The controversy emerged following objections by the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), which accused the government and the late monarch’s family of violating the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law by bypassing traditional rites. According to the ICIR, Section 55 of the law mandates that kings be buried in line with cultural practices, not personal religious preferences. The council also criticized the sidelining of the Osugbo Confraternity, traditional custodians of such rites.

The burial, held on July 14, a day after the monarch’s passing at the age of 91, has sparked debates over the balance between religious freedom and cultural preservation. The ICIR argued that bypassing Yoruba customs not only disrespects tradition but also endangers the continuity of indigenous practices. They signaled their intent to seek legal redress to challenge what they called an erosion of heritage.

In response, the Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Sina Ogungbade (SAN), dismissed the threats as lacking legal merit. He reiterated that the deceased had the right to choose his burial method and described the legal challenge as misguided. He emphasized that the law protects the family’s decision and that government support of the Islamic burial was lawful.

Traditional leaders, including the Olowa Iberu and Chief Priest of Ijebu land, voiced deep frustration, accusing the state of undermining the Osugbo’s role and enabling the family to override established customs. They alleged that agreements were made between the government and the late monarch prior to his death, ensuring he would be buried in accordance with his Islamic faith. Security forces were reportedly deployed to prevent disruptions during the burial, which the traditionalists viewed as a deliberate move to suppress dissent.

They said; "Now they’ve brought in a heavy presence of police and soldiers. Who wants to die? So, everyone has stepped back and allowed them to do as they please."

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Former Oyo governor Rashidi Ladoja set to become next Olubadan.

Following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, all eyes have now turned to former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is next in line to ascend the ancient throne.

Oba Olakulehin passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, just two days after marking his birthday and one year on the throne.

He received his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, after succeeding Oba Lekan Balogun.

With his passing, the well-established rotational succession system of the Ibadan traditional institution now positions Ladoja, the current Otun Olubadan, as the most senior high chief and next in line to be crowned.

Ladoja, a prominent political figure and respected statesman, served as governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007.

Despite his political engagements, he remained active in the Ibadan traditional hierarchy, steadily progressing through the civil line of the Olubadan chieftaincy ladder over several decades.

The Ibadan traditional succession system is unique in Nigeria. Unlike most monarchies, where lineage or heredity determines ascension, the Olubadan title rotates between two lines, with succession determined by seniority. Ladoja, having climbed through the ranks of the civil line, has now reached the apex.

Sources within the Olubadan-in-Council have confirmed that preparations are underway for the formal announcement of Ladoja’s nomination, pending ratification by Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Executive Council.

Traditionally, once the position is officially declared vacant and the council reaches consensus, the governor is expected to present the staff of office.

Ladoja’s anticipated ascension is already stirring reactions across Ibadanland and beyond, with many describing it as a “historic moment” that will see a former governor and national political figure wear the crown of Ibadan’s highest traditional office.

The late Oba Olakulehin’s burial arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days by the Olubadan-in-Council. Meanwhile, attention now shifts to Agodi, where the final nod for Ladoja’s coronation will come from the Oyo State Government.

If confirmed, Ladoja will become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland