From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The people of Ayedun in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, has rejected sponsored media reports suggesting that the community is experiencing a crisis over the appointment of the new Obajisun of Ayedun, Oba Jide Abiodun Towoju.
In three separate rejoinders, representatives of the Community and the Ayedun Palace, described the reports as misleading, arguing that allegations contained in petitions against the appointment should not be presented as the position of the entire Community.
The rejoinders were in response to reports published by some media outlets concerning the appointment and alleged tension in the Community.
The rejoinders maintained that Ayedun remained peaceful and urged media organisations to verify claims of unrest before publishing them.
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According to the palace and the Community representatives, the appointment followed a traditional selection process involving the relevant ruling houses and six recognised kingmakers.
It maintained that the kingmakers unanimously affirmed Oba Towoju’s selection before the Kwara State Government approved his appointment on July 28, 2026.
The rejoinders further argued that the existence of petitions or competing claims did not, by itself, invalidate the appointment and urged the media and the general public to consider the relevant customary procedures, official records and applicable chieftaincy laws when assessing the dispute.
The rejoinders also challenged reports suggesting that the appointment had provoked widespread anger, market closures and threats of violence.
The palace said such claims required independent verification and should not be used to portray the entire kingdom as being in crisis.
It added that the Oke-Ero Traditional Council’s role and the records of the original selection process should form part of any balanced account of the dispute and called for clarification of the events surrounding a meeting held at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Ilorin on August 31, 2026.
The rejoinders raised concerns about allegations of irregularities in subsequent representations concerning the appointment, including claims involving disputed signatures and possible document forgery.
While defending the appointment, the palace acknowledged that aggrieved parties were entitled to submit petitions or seek legal remedies.
However, it insisted that such complaints should be addressed through lawful channels rather than through public pressure or false reports that could heighten tensions.
The rejoinders urged the Kwara State Government, security agencies, traditional leaders, residents and media organisations to promote peace, verify information and allow the relevant authorities to address the dispute in accordance with the law.
It also called on the media outlets concerned to give its response fair consideration and ensure that subsequent reports reflect the positions of the relevant stakeholders.
