The Lagbua family of Iragbiji, Osun State, has publicly expressed its gratitude to Governor Ademola Adeleke for resolving a long-standing chieftaincy dispute in the town. The family’s inclusion in the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Chieftaincy Declaration marks the culmination of a decades-long struggle for recognition as a ruling house. This recognition comes after the state’s Executive Council approved a white paper on the report of a judicial panel of inquiry, validating the Lagbua family’s historical claim to the throne. However, the current Aragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, has contested the government’s decision, raising concerns about potential unrest in the community. The Lagbua family, while celebrating their victory, has appealed for peace and urged the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure stability in Iragbiji.
The heart of the dispute lies in the Lagbua family’s historical connection to the Aragbiji throne. The family, comprising five compounds – Ajibolu (Ooye), Olupejobi, Oluode, Odogun, and Elemo Osho – asserts its rightful place as a ruling house, citing historical documents and testimonies. They point to their inclusion in the initial draft of the Aragbiji Chieftaincy Declaration of 1951 and subsequent confirmation by the Ifelodun District Council in 1956. However, the family was mysteriously removed from the declaration in 1958, an omission they claim remained unknown to them until 1968 when a new monarch was being appointed. This removal triggered their protracted struggle for reinstatement.
The Lagbua family’s quest to reclaim their position has spanned several administrations, marked by legal battles and appeals. A significant milestone was reached during the tenure of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who established a one-man judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the matter. The panel, after thorough investigation, recommended the inclusion of the Lagbua family as a ruling house in 2010. However, a change in government stalled the implementation of this recommendation. The subsequent administration under Rauf Aregbesola outrightly rejected the panel’s findings in 2013, further prolonging the family’s struggle.
Hope was rekindled with the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The Lagbua family, through their legal representatives, petitioned the new government, urging a review of the previous administration’s decision. Governor Adeleke’s administration, after conducting due diligence, ultimately approved the inclusion of the Lagbua family in the Chieftaincy Declaration. This decision, hailed by the Lagbua family as a triumph of justice, has been met with resistance from the current Aragbiji, who views it as a threat to the existing order.
While the Lagbua family celebrates their hard-fought victory, they have emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace in Iragbiji. They have made it clear that they are not seeking the removal of the current Aragbiji but rather recognition of their rightful place in the town’s chieftaincy structure. This clarification aims to allay fears of immediate upheaval and underscores their desire for a smooth transition and peaceful coexistence.
However, the Lagbua family has expressed concerns regarding the current Aragbiji’s public pronouncements. They accuse him of inciting violence and undermining the government’s decision. In response, they have appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Adeleke, and security agencies to intervene and ensure that the Aragbiji refrains from actions or statements that could destabilize the community. Their plea underscores the delicate balance between celebrating their victory and maintaining peace in Iragbiji, highlighting the need for proactive measures to prevent any potential escalation of tensions.
