Ooni of Ife Urges Peaceful Resolution in Ondo Chieftaincy Dispute

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has intervened in the six-year chieftaincy dispute over the vacant Olufon of Ifon-Omima stool in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. He appealed to the contestants to embrace dialogue for peace, a message conveyed by Oba Peter Ipadeola, the monarch of Ifon-Osun, during his visit to Ifon-Omima.

The stool became vacant after the death of Oba Israel Adeusi in 2020, leading to disagreements over the selection process for a successor. Ipadeola emphasized the importance of having a traditional ruler for community representation and development.

Chief Tunde Eniolorunda, the Asuada of Ifon-Omima, called for adherence to the existing chieftaincy declaration and transparency in the selection process. He also demanded an investigation into the late monarch's murder.

Major General Benjamin Badewole, President of the Ifon Improvement Forum, noted previous efforts to resolve the dispute, including a five-man committee's recommendations, which were rejected by the state government.