Ogun Lawmakers warn ‘self-styled Oba’ to desist or face consequences

By Adejoke Adeleye

Tension flared at the Ogun State House of Assembly as lawmakers issued a stern warning to one Chief Adewole Adetola, accused of unlawfully parading himself as the Oba-Elect of Idokunusi Town in Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu-East Local Government Area.

The explosive session, held by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was triggered by a petition from the Ikunusi Descendants, who accused Adetola of falsely claiming a coronet title without due process.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Jemili Akingbade, did not mince words as he cautioned Adetola to immediately stop parading himself as a traditional ruler, warning that such a role could only be assumed after full ratification by the State Executive Council led by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

“Until all legal procedures are completed and the Governor gives approval, you have no authority to call yourself Oba,” Akingbade thundered, urging Adetola to work with the community to maintain peace.

Meanwhile, over at the State Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, another committee turned up the heat on government agencies, demanding full accountability for the use of public funds.

The House Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption, chaired by Hon. Damilare Bello, grilled the State Primary Health Care Development Board and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) over their 2023 audit reports.

Bello demanded the submission of key financial records—including fixed asset registers, store records, UNICEF grant details, and Sterling Bank account statements—insisting that all documents be properly signed and authorized.

“Our mission is simple: stop financial leakages, ensure transparency, and hold every kobo accountable,” Bello declared.

Executive Secretary of the Health Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, and SEMA Director, Mr. Olawale Shonde, promised to cooperate fully, assuring the lawmakers that all requested documents would be submitted without delay.

As both traditional authority and financial integrity come under scrutiny, Ogun State’s lawmakers are clearly drawing the battle lines—insisting that neither title nor taxpayer funds will be misused on their watch.