Ijebu Ode chieftaincy committee declares Jaginrin selection inconclusive, citing adherence to rotational customs and tradition in crowning the new Awujale

Contrary to reports that a new Jaginrin of Ijebu Ode has been chosen, the chairman of the screening and selection committee, Barrister Hakeem Dele, has clarified that the process remains inconclusive.

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Speaking on the matter, Dele explained that some committee members disregarded established written documents and rules governing the selection of the new Jaginrin, prompting the committee to seek intervention from relevant quarters to prevent the swearing-in of an ineligible candidate.

“The title is highly revered in Ijebu Ode, and its bearer plays a central role in the coronation of a new Awujale. The process begins and ends with the Oloja Ejinrin chieftaincy family,” Dele said.

He warned individuals parading themselves as the new Jaginrin to desist, emphasizing that the stool must be properly filled before the installation of a new Awujale.

Traditionally, succession to the Jaginrin title follows a rotational order among the seven ruling houses. The last Jaginrin, Chief Francis Ladejobi, who crowned the late Awujale Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, hailed from the Olubamowo branch.

By rotation, the next turn belongs to the Otuboyejo branch, which declined to present a candidate, moving the rotation to the Adejako branch.

Prince Gbenga Fetuga, a member of the screening committee, added that written documents specify that male candidates must be offered the position before female lineages.

He noted that the last three Jaginrins came from the female side, making another female claim irregular.

“The last three Jaginrins actually came from the female side. It is an aberration for a female line to now be laying claim to the title again,” Fetuga said.

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The committee has indicated that if the rotational rules are not respected, it may be compelled to seek judicial intervention to ensure the integrity of the process.