In what could be termed as a total rejection of what they described as their recalcitrant sons’ actions, the three ruling families of Odo Nla kingdom (also known as Omo’ba Meta Royal Family) unanimously came together to disown the legal move by Prince Kazeem Benson and Adesegun Ogunkoya to challenge the selection of Olusoga Adeyemi Olowolekomoh as Oba-Elect.
At meeting last week by the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family of Odo-Nla Kingdom, the judicial move by Benson and Ogunkoya was met with shock and deep disappointment, particularly within the Raselu Royal family(Benson’s immediate family), that was reportedly unaware of his intentions.
The Raselu family members, including several prominent figures, including the Agbaakin of Odo-Nla, Prince Ganny Awobajo, who is also the publisher of Ikorodu Newspaper, voiced their discontent, stressing that the action was motivated by Benson’s personal interests rather than the collective will of the royal family.
The General Secretary of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family Odo-Nla, Prince Omotolani Ogunsami has publicly expressed the full support of the Uponyewa Royal family for Olowolekomoh as the Oba-Elect of Odo-Nla Kingdom.
He emphasised that the Uponyewa lineage feels more connected to the Oba-Elect than to other lineages within the Odo-Nla Kingdom, particularly the Ogbodo and Raselu Royal families within Omo’ba Meta of Odo-Nla.
That suggests a strong bond and admiration for the Oba-Elect, portraying him as a leader who is highly regarded by his family and community. It also reinforces the idea that Olowolekomoh is truly accessible and loved by the people he is to lead. ‘This reflection on the leadership of Oba-Elect Olowolekomoh is certainly an indication of unity and support from the Uponyewa family within the broader context of the kingdom. Significantly, it sums up the importance of family loyalty, harmony and enviable peaceful relationship that only a good leadership role can foster with a remarkable sense of unity and belonging among the diverse royal lineages of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Household and Kingdom at large’, Ogunsami said.
The Raselu family also emphasised that the selection of Olowolekomoh had been a consensus decision, supported by the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family as well as key royal families, including the Adeesho Ademuyewo and Fidipote families, and even the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona.
The Olootu Wolademo, Chief Tajudeen Olusesi Mare (from the sub-branch which is Benson’s lineage) expressed disappointment over the move by Benson to the tribunal, stating that it is completely unacceptable and would not be taken lightly “because Benson had been informed by my humble self as his main Olootu (family head) that the entire Raselu Royal family had already elected our King, the Fuwagbade of Odo-Nla Kingdom, and choice of the entire Odo-Nla Town at large’.
The royal families also highlighted that the Oba-Elect had already been chosen through a democratic and consensus-driven process.
The Agbaakin of Odo-Nla, Prince Ganny Awobajo explained that consultations within the Raselu family confirmed the move was not in line with the family’s collective interests.
Chief Sodiq Gbade Bakare (Raselu of Odo-Nla Kingdom) criticised Benson’s actions, calling them a waste of resources and an attempt to ‘seek unnecessary attention as well as total disrespect to the Raselu Royal family Elders’.
The Omo’ba Meta Royal Family expressed strong disapproval of Benson’s legal case, describing it as an unnecessary disruption to the unity and decision-making process that had already been solidified in favour of Oba-Elect Olowolekomoh.
The three ruling family head, Asiwaju Afolabi Ekiyoyo also hinted at the possibility of implementing sanctions on certain individuals within the family who are bent on derailing the collective will of Odo-Nla people for selfish gains as regards the Obaship issue.
Chief Adeseye Adedipe was disappointed about Benson’s recalcitrant ambush, and wondered what gave him such temerity and audacity to circumvent and challenge the collective mandate of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Household in the court of law. ‘There surely will be consequences for this monumental betrayal’, he vowed.
The Olootu Ogbodo Royal family, Chief Odubegu Rasaki issued a disclaimed that the attention of the Olootu Ogbodo Royal family of Odo-Nla Kingdom and members of the named ruling house ‘has been drawn to a series of illegitimate petitions and acrimonious activities orchestrated by Otunba Afuwape and his co-conspirators.
‘These actions have continued up until the present moment, particularly in relation to the official confirmation and installation of our Oba-Elect, Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh. The Oba-Elect’s nomination and selection were formally validated years ago by the Council of Chiefs and the Executive Committee of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family, following a successful and thorough nomination process in accordance with our ancestral traditions and cultural practices, which can be traced back to the office of the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode Kingdom’.
Rasaki further said that it is important to clarify that Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape, ‘the principal offender in this matter, was never a contestant nor participated in any capacity in the rigorous and transparent processes that led to the final selection and approval of Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh as the Oba-Elect. We, the entire members of the Ogbodo Ruling House, under the authority and office of the Olootu Ogbodo of Odo-Nla Kingdom, Chief Odubegu Onabajo Adebayo Rasaki, hereby issue this public disclaimer to refute any fraudulent petitions, legal challenges, or public statements issued by Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape and his brother, Prince Adeshegun, claiming to be contestants for the Ogbodo Ruling House’.
Rasaki said that actions and attitudes of the antagonists were at odds with the established traditions and peaceful aims of our royal family. ‘We respectfully urge all members of the Ogbodo Ruling House to disregard any false and misleading claims made by these individuals. Their conduct has caused unnecessary division and sabotage of the aspirations of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family, which seeks the swift and rightful ascension of our Oba-Elect, Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh, through the officially approved processes. We appreciate your immediate cooperation and compliance with this directive’, he further said.
The Odo-Nla high chief reiterated that Ogunkoya did not come any where near the crown during the ‘Odonla Obaship contest and the entire Omo’ba Meta Royal family members are aware of the entire outcome to the favour of our Oba-Elect Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh. For Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape, he’s never part of the Obaship contest from the beginning to the end. It was after the entire exercise that him and his conspirators came up with the funny idea of upgrading him from Otunba to King of Odo-Nla which has never been in the traditional Obaship practice in Ijebuland and non of such chieftaincy upgrading as ever happened in Lagos as well.
‘In fact, it is totally unacceptable by the entire Odeyemi Adeesho Ademuyewo Royal family members Odo-Nla Kingdom Ikorodu and Fidipote Idewon quarters Ijebu Ode Ogun State where we migrated from to Odo-Nla Town Ikorodu.
‘We are from existing Fidipote Royal family of Awujale Ademuyewo Fidipote Ijebu-Ode lineage and our progenitor HRM Odeyemi Adeesho Ademuyewo aka Ofiran was a King, after two of his children also became Kings. Namely; Raselu which is also known as Afijiku and his grandson Omobo. This Oba-Elect Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh will be our fourth Fuwagbade, King of Odo-Nla by God’s grace. The Odo-Nla Obaship structure on ground is non optional for the avoidance of change of heritage and others We have a strong assertion of tradition and lineage, particularly emphasizing the legitimacy of Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh as the Oba-Elect and the importance of maintaining the heritage of the Odo-Nla Kingdom.
‘It is clear that the Royal family, especially the Omo’ba Meta family, values the established practices and customs, and did not support the narrative surrounding the elevation of Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape which appeared contrary to the royal structure that has been in place for generations. The historical connection to the Fidipote Royal family and the direct lineage to HRM Odeyemi Adeesho Ademuyewo adds weight to the claim that Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh is the rightful Oba-Elect. Nowhere in traditional Obaship practice in Ijebu land and even Lagos state where an Otunba upgraded to an Oba and against the will of our entire Omo’ba Meta Royal family’.
