An Ondo State Magistrate Court has remanded Oba Adekolajo Aladeseyi, the self-declared Olujare of Ijare, alongside four others, following their arrest over what authorities described as an illegal installation. The action has further inflamed tensions in the ancient town of Ijare, located in Ifedore Local Government Area.
Aladeseyi, who assumed the royal title Okilorigbokun II, was said to have commenced traditional rites after allegedly installing himself on April 17, 2025. However, his claim to the throne quickly came under scrutiny. According to Chief Oluwole Oni, the Aarinmo of Ijare and head of the Sejeokun Ruling House, the installation was carried out under duress, with kingmakers reportedly forced to participate at gunpoint.
The Ondo State Police Command, acting on government directives, moved in to arrest Aladeseyi and his associates, citing concerns over potential unrest. Commissioner of Police, Olutokunbo Afolabi, confirmed that the installation had no legal backing and warned that such unauthorized actions could spark communal violence.
“There was an impending crisis. The forced installation posed a threat to law and order,” Afolabi said.
In his defense, Oba Aladeseyi insisted his selection was valid, claiming it followed traditional protocols and the guidance of the community's oracle. “The people chose me, and the process adhered to our customs,” he maintained.
The Olujare throne has been vacant since the passing of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun in 2011. Attempts to install a successor have repeatedly stalled due to internal disputes and litigation within the royal families.
This development adds to a growing list of kingship crises in Ondo State. In Oke-Igbo, the High Court recently removed Oba Babajide Oluwole after ruling that he was not from the ruling house eligible for the throne. Meanwhile, Akure South is also grappling with tension following the sacking of the Iralepo of Isikan by the Court of Appeal and the controversial appointment of a replacement by the Deji of Akure.
These parallel cases point to a deeper structural challenge in traditional leadership succession across the state. Commentators have called for a review of succession laws and stronger government mediation to prevent monarchial disputes from degenerating into communal conflict.
Oba Aladeseyi and the other suspects are expected to reappear in court for further proceedings. Meanwhile, law enforcement remains on high alert in Ijare as efforts continue to de-escalate tensions and guide the town toward a peaceful resolution.
By Adetilewa Coker, Event Diary Lifestyle
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