The Ikolaje-Idiroko Council of Kingmakers in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State has issued a statement warning against self-imposition in the selection process for the new Oniko of Ikolaje-Idiroko. The council clarified that it has not yet elected anyone to fill the vacant throne.
This announcement comes amid reports circulating on social media suggesting that a candidate has been appointed as the new Oniko. The council emphasized that these claims are false.
The Oniko stool became vacant in May 2025 following the death of the late Oba John Ojo. As the community completed the traditional burial rites, the process of selecting a new monarch began. Three princes from the Odunfa Ruling House expressed interest in the position.
In their statement issued on Monday, the kingmakers reaffirmed that no election or appointment has taken place. They stated, “The council wishes to clarify that no candidate has been elected as the new Oniko, as the necessary election has not yet been conducted.”
The statement was signed jointly by prominent members of the council, including Aro (Oloorode Mathew), Balogun (Daniel Edun), Eselu (Fadeyi Kamoru), Ojusu (Akinbode Anthony), and Ogboni Oosa (Samson Orobiyi). It noted that three princes—Prince Sunday Olayode, Prince Jonah Olagorioye, and Prince Adebotiwa Ade—have shown interest in the throne.
According to tradition, when multiple qualified candidates apply for the throne, an election must be held under the supervision of the Ipokia Local Government. The candidate with the highest number of votes will then be declared the Oba-elect.
The council explained that the scheduled election for Monday, February 9, 2026, was postponed due to security concerns, as advised by the Secretary to the Local Government.
The council urged the community to remain calm, law-abiding, and patient, trusting in the process. They assured the indigenes that the selection will be transparent and that updates will be communicated as developments unfold.
The princes competing for the stool are Prince Sunday Adekambi Olayode, Prince Jonah Ariori Olagorioye, and Prince Adebotiwa Ade.