THE people of Iponda-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government Area have called on Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke to personally intervene to end what they describe as a 10-year delay in installing a substantive Oniponda of Iponda-Ijesa.

In a statement issued on behalf of the community, residents said all statutory procedures required by Osun State law for the emergence of a new monarch have been completed, but the process remains stalled. They alleged that the delay is being driven by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Dosu Babatunde.

“Unnecessary Stalling” After Due Process

According to the community, the ancient stool has been vacant for over a decade despite full compliance with administrative requirements. “Every known administrative requirement has been fulfilled, and the community has patiently awaited the final approval,” the statement said.

The community questioned why Iponda-Ijesa has been left out while “no fewer than five prominent traditional rulers have been successfully installed across Osun State since 2023.”

Impact on Development and Traditional Institutions

The group said the absence of a substantive monarch has slowed development, weakened traditional institutions, discouraged investors, and left the community without leadership on peace, unity, and cultural preservation.

“No community with such a rich history and heritage should be subjected to this level of uncertainty,” the statement added.

Appeal to Governor Adeleke

While reaffirming loyalty to the Adeleke administration, the community said it was “disturbing” that the matter remains unresolved despite the Governor’s reported directive to the Commissioner to expedite the process.

“We have it on good authority that the Commissioner has vowed to continue to disregard the Governor over this matter,” the statement claimed, adding that the delay creates “the unfortunate impression that the Governor’s directive has not been given the urgency and respect it deserves.”

The people of Iponda-Ijesa through the following, Elder Femi Ilori(Osile), Pastor Olaitan (Osile), Omoseebi Gbenga(Adega ruling house), Saga Tajudeen (Community Principal), Faniyan Aluwaye(Asuremo Ruling House), Gbensoye Olutoke (Asuremo Ruling House), Oladimeji Mikel(Adega ruling house), Okunade Kolawole(Orunwinle Ruling House), Usman Opeyemi Suleimon (Chief Imam of Iponda) appealed to Governor Adeleke to “personally revisit this matter and ensure that justice is done without further delay.” They stressed that they are seeking “fairness, equity, and the timely conclusion of a process” and not special treatment.

The statement concluded: “History will remember those who defended justice, just as it will remember those who allowed it to be delayed. The time to act is now.”

The statement was signed by the Concerned People of Iponda-Ijesa, Obokun Local Government Area, Osun State.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for feedback proved abortive as of press time.