The Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III, has pledged continued engagement with stakeholders in Ondo State to resolve the lingering obaship crisis in Ifon Omima, appealing to the people to shun division and embrace peaceful dialogue. The monarch gave the assurance during a two-day solidarity visit to Ifon Omima, where he met with traditional and community leaders as part of efforts to understand the issues delaying the installation of a successor to the late Olufon of Ifon Omima, Oba Israel Adewusi, who died in 2020.
The six-year vacancy in the traditional institution has remained a source of concern among descendants of Ifon, prompting renewed calls for reconciliation and a peaceful resolution of the succession question.
According to a statement by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Akeeb Adekunle Yusuff, the visit was designed to establish a clearer understanding of the challenges surrounding the vacant stool while encouraging cooperation among the various interests involved.
The statement said Oba Akinyooye consulted the Regent, Adéùlé, kingmakers, ruling houses and representatives of the Ifon Development Union (IDU), Ifon Improvement Forum (IIF) and Ifon Youth Association (IYA), among other stakeholders.
Addressing the concerns surrounding the crisis, the monarch acknowledged the frustration arising from the prolonged absence of a substantive traditional ruler but urged the people not to allow the situation to undermine the community’s unity.
‘I understand the pain and anxiety caused by the absence of a king for six years, but I assure you that efforts are ongoing to find a lasting solution,’ he said, appealing to residents to remain calm while the necessary consultations continued.
He warned that violence and bitterness could further complicate the situation, insisting that all outstanding grievances should be addressed through dialogue and lawful processes.
Beyond the immediate succession challenge, the visit also sought to reinforce the ancestral relationship between Ifon Omima and Ifon Ile, now Ifon-Osun, in Osun State. Historical accounts cited in the statement trace the founding lineage of Ifon Omima to Ifon Ile, from where its ancestors reportedly migrated following a contest over kingship.
Oba Akinyooye said the historical connection imposed a shared responsibility on both communities to promote peace and preserve their common heritage, regardless of geographical separation or generational differences.
He further assured the people that he would continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders in Ondo State to facilitate a transparent and inclusive process for selecting a new Olufon of Ifon Omima.
The monarch maintained that the community, which serves as the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area, needed a stable traditional institution to support its growth and development.
‘We are one family. Geographical distance and passage of generations should not sever our ancestral bond. I will not abandon you in this trying period. Let us keep praying and working together for peace,’ he said.