A United States based prince, Olusegun Ogunbanjo has called on the Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun and the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona to intervene and ensure that the new Kobowore of Odojobore Community is appointed in accordance with the law.
Olusegun Ogunbanjo, who is a contestant for the vacant stool of Kobowore of Odojobore Community in Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state made the call while addressing newsmen over the weekend in Abeokuta.
The prince lamented his “deliberate” exclusion from the selection process which took place on January 11 and accused officials of the Odogbolu LG of skewing the selection process by nominating his immediate elder brother, Olufemi Ogunbanjo as the sole candidate for the vacant stool.
Ogunbanjo, who is based in the United States of America, explained that he received a call from the Lisa (Regent) of Odobore Community, Chief Jimoh Shittu, in January 2023, asking him to return home and take over the stool of his forefathers
He stated that because he is a member of the Adeleye Family of Sapenuwa Ruling House, the next in line to produce the town’s new monarch, he filed an official application declaring his interest in the vacant stool, which was accepted and signed by the Olisa, the head of the kingmakers.
“As at April 25, 2023, when my formal application had been received and signed by Olisa as the head of the kingmakers, and my nomination was given a nod, I was the sole candidate for the stool. But things took a twist when my immediate elder brother, Olufemi Ogunbanjo, who had more than three times declined interest in the stool, showed up six months after I had been called upon by the community during an event.
“On January 11, 2024, Odogbolu Local Government, after the expiration of the 40 days notice, decided to send down officials into our community to observe the selection and nomination process slated for the date. But at the event where the Chairman of Odogbolu LG was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, my brother was presented as a sole candidate from the family and I, whose my application had been received since April last year was excluded from the selection process.
“And when I raised my hand to object to the selection of my brother as the sole candidate, the LG officials abruptly ended the programme. Instead of playing an observation role as stipulated by the Chief laws of the state, the LG officials refused to acknowledge other eligible candidates for the stool, they just presented my brother as the sole candidate and declared him as Oba-elect. When I protested the sham, I was harassed and was nearly beaten up by the miscreants purposely planted at the venue of the event. I was rescued from possible bodily harm by some security personnel”.
Ogunbanjo, who stated that he will seek redress in court if required, stressed that the decision to nominate his brother as king elect was not unanimous because he is still in the race.
