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Jimba-Oja Descendants Urge Gov AbdulRazaq To Approve New Monarch For Late King’s Throne
Your approval of this request would be greatly appreciated by Jimba-Oja community as it will promote harmony
Ilorin, Kwara State- The Jimba-Oja Descendants Union has made a respectful appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, urging him to expedite the approval of a successor for the late Oba Jimoh Akanni, who passed away in February 2023.
The union disclosed the importance of swift action in ensuring continuity, growth, and stability within the community.
According to a statement signed on Saturday by Alhaji Olanrewaju Bakare, the union’s Administrator-General, and Mubashir Sulaiman, Secretary-General, the community has been in a state of uncertainty following the passing of Oba Akanni.
The statement expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for his administration’s support of traditional institutions and development initiatives within Kwara State.
The Kingmakers of Jimba-Oja have followed customary procedures, selecting a successor in line with the community’s traditions and regulations.
According to Bakare, the chosen candidate was endorsed by the Kingmakers in July 2023, and notifications were sent to Ifelodun Local Government, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the governor’s office.
The Kingmakers involved in the selection are the legally recognized chiefs of Jimba-Oja, comprising Alhaji Wahab Hassan (Essa of Jimba-Oja, Chairman), Mallam Rahman Adigun (Elemosho), Pa Momonu Alade (Ajikobi), and Mr. Ganiyu Raheem (Akinrogun of Jimba).
Despite these steps, the community has awaited official endorsement from the governor’s office to formalize the transition of leadership.
“The delay has affected the community’s development and unity,” the union’s statement said.
The statement read, “We respectfully request Your Excellency’s intervention to expedite the approval, as the Kingmakers’ choice represents the will of our community and is essential for its growth and stability.
“Additionally, the Ifelodun Local Government Traditional Council of Obas headed by the Elese of Igbaja, HRH Oba Babalola Ahmed Awuni Arepo III and his council of Obas in ifelodun, have independently verified the reports of the Afobajes and forwarded their findings to the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs since May 2024 for the approval of your Excellency and since then nothing has been forthcoming.
“Your Excellency sir, we wish to conclude by stating that the Decision of the King makers of Jimba-Oja town in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State is the true reflection of the 10 NATIVE COMPOUND that makes up Jimba-Oja which clearly shows that the Entire Community(Compounds, Religious and Traditional Institutions) are solidly behind the decision of the Kingmakers of Jimba-Oja Town as Verified by the Ifelodun Local Government Traditional Council of OBAS.
“Your approval of this request would be greatly appreciated by Jimba-Oja community as it will promote harmony and peace as that has long been enjoyed in the community,” the statement read.