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IFON ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA WRITES GOVERNMENT, URGES TIMELY RESOLUTION OF OBASHIP CRISIS
…Urges Strict Compliance With Traditional Rotational Sequence
The Ifon Association of America has called for timely resolution of Ifon Obaship crisis, urging the installation of a new traditional ruler in the ancient town.
In a letter written to the state government on the issue, the group appealed to government to upload the traditional rotational sequence, stating that only the ruling house in turn is permitted to present candidates to the kingmakers.
According to the letter signed by the Chairman, Keith Sunday Oguntuwase and Co-chaitman, Jacob Eniolorunda Abadariki the group urged the government to empower the kingmakers to carry out their duties without interference or undue pressure.
“We respectfully write on behalf of the Ifon Association of America (IAA), a body representing sons and daughters of Ifon Omima in the diaspora who remain deeply invested in the peace, unity, and development of our ancestral homeland”.
“For close to six years, our community has been without a substantive monarch, consequent upon the demise of Oba Israel Adegoke Adeusi of the Idaniken ruling house on the 26th of November, 2020. As you are well aware, the traditional institution in Ifon is central to our identity and governance. The absence of an Oba has created a leadership vacuum that continues to hinder the progress, stability, and cohesion of our people”.
“Traditionally, the kingmakers (Afobajes) nominate a qualified candidate from the ruling house whose turn it is to produce the next Olufon of Ifon. This rotational system has served as a stabilizing mechanism as established in the past, preventing domination by any single lineage”.
“However, the current impasse arises from the fact that some ruling houses are insisting on producing the next Oba even when it is not their rightful turn, thereby attempting to bypass the established order. This has created tension, prolonged disagreements, and opened the door for factions to challenge one another’s authority”.
“As history has shown, when there is no clearly established leader, any individual or group can claim authority, leading to confusion, division, and potential instability in the land”.
“Your Excellency, the people of Ifon, both at home and abroad, are united in the desire to see this matter resolved justly and without further delay. We firmly believe that the key to restoring order and accelerating development in our community lies in recognizing and installing the next Olufon from the appropriate ruling house whose turn is next, in accordance with custom, fairness, and the rotational arrangement”.
“We therefore appeal to Your Excellency to:
1. Uphold the traditional rotational sequence, ensuring that only the ruling house whose turn is next should be permitted to present candidates to the kingmakers (Afobajes).
2. Empower and direct the kingmakers (Afobajes) to carry out their customary responsibility without interference or undue pressure.
3. Use your constitutional authority to endorse the rightful ruling house and facilitate the timely installation of a substantive Olufon of Ifon Omima”.
“Your leadership at this critical moment will prevent further conflict, restore dignity to the throne, and set the community back on the path of unity and progress. The entire Ifon diaspora stands ready to support your administration in achieving lasting peace and traditional order in our homeland. And we are looking forward to the day you will come to Ifon and present the staff of coronation to the rightfully elected candidate, from the appropriate ruling house”.
“A stable monarchy is the anchor of our cultural identity and the vehicle for coordinated development. We humbly urge you to intervene decisively and ensure that justice, tradition, and fairness prevail”, the letter concluded.
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