A deposed traditional ruler, the Nloku of Iraye in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Samuel Olatunji Kalejaiye, has renewed his call on the Ogun State Government to correct what he described as a longstanding error in the 1959 Registered Nloku of Iraye Chieftaincy Declaration.
The former monarch is demanding that the name “Sugbada” be amended to “Sugbodo” in the official declaration, insisting that “Sugbada” does not exist in the royal lineage of Iraye town and was mistakenly inserted into the document.
The development was disclosed by a legal representative of the Sugbodo Royal Family, Prince Dipo Ilara, who said the family would soon approach the court to press home the demand if the state government fails to act.
According to the lawyer, a pre-action notice is set to be served on the appropriate authorities pursuant to Section 22(2) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021.
He maintained that the alleged error has continued to generate tension within the community and must be rectified in the interest of justice and lasting peace.
Ilara explained that Iraye’s traditional structure recognises four authentic ruling houses entitled to produce the Nloku: Somade, Sugbodo, Sowomade and Olubinjo.
He stressed that there is no ruling house known as “Sugbada” in the history, custom or tradition of the town.
According to him, the other three recognised ruling houses can attest that “Sugbada” is alien to Iraye’s royal lineage and has never featured in the rotational succession arrangement guiding the emergence of the Nloku.
He argued that leaving the alleged error uncorrected could distort historical records, undermine the integrity of the chieftaincy institution and create avoidable disputes in the future.
The lawyer further expressed concern that despite repeated representations to relevant authorities over the years, no formal amendment has been made to address what he described as the discrepancy in the 1959 Declaration.
He described the continued reference to “Sugbada” as a misnomer capable of causing confusion in the nomination and selection process of future occupants of the stool.
Ilara therefore urged the Ogun State Government, particularly the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to take immediate steps to amend the declaration in line with established historical facts and native law and custom.
He emphasised that correcting the name to “Sugbodo” was crucial for maintaining unity and stability in Iraye, noting that unresolved ambiguities in chieftaincy declarations often serve as the root of prolonged communal crises.
According to him, clarifying the authentic ruling houses would not only preserve the sanctity of the Nloku stool but also provide clear guidance for future generations.
