ELECTION OF NEW ONIKO IN OGUN POSTPONED OVER SECURITY CONCERNS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Ikolaje-Idiroko Council of Kingmakers in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State has announced that it could not proceed with the election of a new Oniko due to security concerns raised by the local government authorities.
The council also clarified that no individual has been elected as the new Oniko of Ikolaje-Idiroko, warning against any attempt at self-imposition following reports circulating on social media.
The Oniko stool became vacant in May 2025 after the death of Oba John Ojo. Following the completion of traditional burial rites, the process of selecting a successor commenced, with three princes from the Odunfa Ruling House indicating interest in the throne.
In a statement issued on Monday, the kingmakers dismissed online claims that a new monarch had emerged, stressing that the election had not yet been conducted.
“The Ikolaje-Idiroko Council of Kingmakers wishes to categorically state that no candidate has been elected as the new Oniko of Ikolaje, as the required election to fill the vacant stool has not taken place,” the statement read.
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According to the council, the election initially scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Ipokia Local Government Secretariat was postponed on the advice of the Secretary to the Local Government, who cited security concerns.
The statement, jointly signed by the Aro, Oloorode Mathew; Balogun, Daniel Edun; Eselu, Fadeyi Kamoru; Ojusu, Akinbode Anthony; and Ogboni Oosa, Samson Orobiyi, confirmed that three princes—Sunday Olayode, Jonah Olagorioye, and Adebotiwa Ade—applied for the vacant stool.
It explained that where more than one qualified prince applies, tradition requires the kingmakers to conduct an election under the supervision of the local government, with the candidate who secures the highest number of votes emerging as the Oba-elect.
The council urged residents of Ikolaje-Idiroko to remain calm, law-abiding, and patient, assuring the community that the selection process would be transparent and conducted in line with established customs.
“The council remains committed to doing what is right and in the best interest of the community. The public will be duly informed as the process progresses,” the statement added.
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