Kwara Monarch: Despite Petitions, AbdulRazaq Refused to Reverse My Selection

The Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh, has narrated how Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq refused to overturn the kingmakers’ decision that produced him as monarch despite petitions and opposition from some princes, elders and elected representatives.

The monarch disclosed this during the commissioning of his newly constructed palace in Erin-Ile, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

He explained that the governor’s stance helped conclude the contentious succession process.

“When the process of my emergence as the Elerin of Erin-Ile began about two years ago, it generated considerable controversy because I was not the preferred candidate of many people.

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“The princes, elders and even some elected representatives in the community opposed my emergence,” he said.

Oba Jimoh said the kingmakers unanimously endorsed him but faced opposition from stakeholders who wanted the selection process cancelled and restarted.

“His Excellency, being a governor who respects traditional institutions, stood firmly by the decision of the kingmakers. He insisted that he would not reverse their decision unless the community reached a consensus,” he said.

He added that the community eventually accepted the outcome. The Elerin thanked the governor for standing by the kingmakers’ decision.

“I have therefore dedicated this palace to His Excellency because, without his commitment to the traditional institution and his insistence on respecting the decision of the kingmakers, this project might not have become a reality,” the monarch said.

The succession dispute followed the death of the previous Elerin, Oba AbdulGaniyu Ajibola Olusokun II, on May 20, 2023.

During the selection process, Prince Joel Omokanye, a contestant for the stool, reportedly challenged the composition of the kingmakers.

He alleged that prominent families had been excluded and called for the exercise to be suspended pending an independent investigation.

Around May 2024, three candidates were identified and reportedly forwarded to the governor.

They were Jimoh Adeoye, Rauf Usman Aroyehun and Adewale Omorinoye.

Oba Jimoh was subsequently presented with his staff of office on October 19, 2024.

During the event, Oba Jimon pledged to pursue peace with neighbouring Offa.

He said sustained dialogue was necessary to resolve disagreements between the two communities that he said had persisted for more than 60 years.

He thanked the presidents of the Offa Descendents Union (ODU) and Erin-Ile Progress Union (EPU) for their peace initiatives.

He recalled how interventions by community leaders helped contain an incident involving a commercial tricycle that would have led to a serious fracas within 24 hours.

“I assured them that I came to the throne with an open mind and a determination to work with everyone. Peaceful coexistence and cooperation are essential if our communities are to make meaningful progress,” he said.

The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Oloyede Gbadamosi, urged the people of Erin-Ile to support their monarch.

He expressed confidence that his commitment to peace could advance the community’s development.

“The Elerin has assured me personally that he wants peace and is determined to develop his community,” he said.

He prayed that the monarch would reign for more than the 65 years spent on the throne by his predecessor.

The Deputy Governor of Kwara State, who represented AbdulRazaq at the ceremony, thanked Oba Jimoh for personally financing the palace.

He described it as a contribution to cultural preservation and community development.

He urged traditional rulers to remain neutral and promote peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Our royal fathers should remain unifying figures, ensuring that political differences do not become sources of division, hostility or conflict among their subjects,” he said.

The Atayeshe of Erin-Ile, Hon. Tajudeen Olabisi Abioye, said the monarch personally conceived the palace project, developed its master plan and supervised its construction.

He described the edifice as a source of pride for Erin-Ile, saying it could be showcased not only in Kwara State but across Nigeria.

Abioye also commended the monarch’s efforts to resolve longstanding differences with Offa, citing repeated visits by the Olofa and his representatives as evidence of growing cooperation between the two communities.

He said the misunderstandings were gradually becoming a thing of the past.

He attributed the progress to the Elerin’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

“What we need, particularly in our relationship with neighbouring communities, is peace and mutual understanding,” he said.

He pledged the community’s continued support for the monarch’s peace initiatives.

The Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, Hon. Yusuf Atoyebi Musa, similarly thanked the monarch for investing personal resources in the palace and prioritising community welfare.