Ogun: Igbore Community Orders Fresh Selection Process for Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland, Appeals for Peace
The Igbore community in Egbaland has announced the commencement of a fresh nomination process for the vacant position of the Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland, following years of internal disputes that have threatened peace and cohesion within the area.
At a well-attended town hall meeting held in Abeokuta, Igbore Obas, High Chiefs, religious leaders, and indigenes—including market leaders, sons, and daughters of the community—unanimously endorsed the decision to forward a new nomination to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland.
Speaking at the gathering, the Aare Oluomo of Egbaland and Chairman of the Igbore Stakeholders’ Forum, Professor Afolabi Soyode emphasized the need for unity and due process as the community moves to fill its statutory chieftaincy slot in the Egba Council of Chiefs.
“This gathering is a solemn one,” he said. “We are here to address a matter that touches the dignity of our community—the need for Igbore to fill its vacant Olori Parakoyi position. We must move forward, but we must do so peacefully, lawfully, and in unity.”
He urged qualified sons of Igbore to present themselves while stressing that the selection process must be transparent, fair, and devoid of bitterness.
“Our children are watching. Egbaland is watching. History will record how we conduct ourselves,” he added.
Stakeholders Condemn Years of Crisis
The Igbore Stakeholders’ Forum, comprising Obas and Chiefs from various Igbore communities across Ogun State, issued a communique at the end of the meeting expressing deep concern over the prolonged crisis surrounding the chieftaincy position.
The vacant stool had triggered conflicts lasting nearly five years, resulting in the closure of the Ile-Ogboni Igbore for about 18 months and multiple court cases, including the sentencing of five Igbore chiefs by a magistrate court.
The communique noted that several interventions—including visits to the Nigeria Police Area Command—failed to resolve the disputes. However, the committee’s efforts eventually facilitated the reopening of the Ile-Ogboni, which was subsequently reported to the Alake.
Key Resolutions
After extensive deliberations, the stakeholders resolved that:
1. The appointment process for the Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland should begin afresh.
2. Previous contestants whose actions fueled rancor and disunity are disqualified.
3. Igbore cannot continue to delay in filling its only statutory chieftaincy seat in the Egba Council of Chiefs.
4. The entire community remains committed to supporting the Alake in sustaining peace and progress in Egbaland.
5. The Igbore Council of Chiefs should commence an entirely new selection exercise without delay.
Call for Harmony
The Obas and Chiefs appealed to all Igbore indigenes across Abeokuta and other settlements to maintain peace and harmony as the community charts a new path toward stability.
They expressed optimism that the fresh selection process would restore unity, uphold tradition, and preserve the honor of Igbore in Egbaland.
