Members of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, AIAC, are to relinquish their existing positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council, following a resolution reached by prominent traditional chiefs in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The decision was reached at a meeting involving the Ilamurem, Pampa, the Odi and other chiefs of Ijebu-Ode, according to a resolution contained in a letter made public to journalists.

The resolution, signed by the Chairman of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council, Olo’rgun Dr Sonny Kuku, followed deliberations on the traditional and administrative structure of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum occasioned by the demise of the immediate past Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

In their deliberations, the chiefs noted that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 does not expressly establish an Awujale Regency Council or prescribe a general procedure for appointing a Regent.

They, however, observed that the Chiefs Law and the 1957 Declaration provide an existing framework for customary declarations and recognition, including the traditional institution of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council.

Consequently, a motion was moved and unanimously adopted that all members of the AIAC should step down from their existing positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council.

Under the proposed arrangement, the reconstituted council will assume responsibility for the administration of Ijebu-Ode throughout the interregnum, exercising, on an interim basis, administrative powers and functions considered necessary in the absence of a substantive Awujale, subject to applicable laws, customs and traditions.

The 14-member council comprises Olo’rgun Dr Sonny Kuku, Ogbeni Oja; Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa; Chief O.B. Okuboyejo, Obasewa; Chief Chris Funmilola Okunowo, Bobasuwa; and Chief Professor Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso.

Other members are Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, Olootu Olowa; Chief Jimi Lawal, Olotu Ifore; Chief Kunle Ogunade, Apebi; Chief Mrs B.O. Osibogun, Iyalode; Chief Adegoke Balogun, Jaginrin; Chief Agboola Alausa, Balogun; Chief Abimbola Okenla, Kakanfo; Chief Adebisi Adaran, Ogbeni Odi Awujale; and Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, Lapoekun.

According to the resolution, the council will serve as the traditional administrative body responsible for managing the affairs of Ijebu-Ode in accordance with applicable laws, customary practices and the established traditions of Ijebuland.

The chiefs maintained that the arrangement was designed to guarantee administrative continuity, preserve stability and provide an orderly traditional leadership structure pending the emergence and installation of a substantive Awujale of Ijebuland.

They further affirmed that their decision was consistent with the traditions, culture and customs of the Ijebu people, over whom the Awujale occupies the position of paramount ruler.