Ondo community appeals to Aiyedatiwa over prolonged kingship crisis

By Boye Oyeyemi

Residents of Ifon in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene in the lingering crisis over the selection of a new traditional ruler for the town.

According to reports, the community has been without a monarch since the killing of the former Olufon, Oba Israel Adeusi, by unknown gunmen in November 2020 along the Owo–Ifon Expressway.

Since then, disagreements among ruling houses over succession have stalled the process, with the matter further complicated by court cases and internal disputes.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chairman of the Ifon Improvement Forum, retired Major General Benjamin Badewole, said the prolonged vacuum has slowed development in the town.

“The absence of a monarch has affected our social and economic life for over five years. We are appealing to Governor Aiyedatiwa to intervene and help resolve this crisis,” he said.

He further explained that although the community came together to mourn and honour the late monarch, expectations of a quick succession process had not been met.

“We thought the transition would be smooth after the burial of Oba Adeusi, but disagreements among ruling houses and legal battles have delayed everything,” he added.

Badewole therefore urged the state government to step in and facilitate a peaceful resolution, stressing that the community urgently needs a new traditional ruler to restore unity and development.