Concerned residents and stakeholders of Ido town, in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Tuesday, expressed concerns over the lingering dispute regarding the Onido of Ido stool, as three individuals are laying claim to the throne, nearly two decades after the crisis had begun.
Addressing newsmen in Ibadan, the leader of the group, Sarafadeen Adeyeye, appealed to the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1, to immediately intervene in the matter before the situation gets worse.
Adeyeye explained that the dispute, which traced its roots to the installation of Oba Orobiyi II in 1997, has continued to generate tension, confusion, and division in the ancient town.
He noted that the political and traditional disagreements that later emerged around 2007, during a period of heightened tension between the State Government and the Ibadan traditional hierarchy further worsened the situation.
“At the moment, Ido is in a very delicate situation because we have three different people claiming to be the Onido, namely Oba Benjamin Ademola Ishola Orobiyi II, Tajudeen Akinola, and Muritala Babalola. This is unhealthy for any community.
“What started as political and traditional disagreements at higher levels eventually spilled into Ido, and for 19 years, our community has been living with the consequences.
“We are worried that the issue has not been conclusively resolved administratively. Instead, the town has witnessed multiple appointments and counter-appointments, including those of Tajudeen Akinola and Muritala Babalola, which have deepened divisions.
“We are appealing to Governor Makinde and the Olubadan of Olubadanland to look into this matter afresh and bring clarity.
“Our appeal is not targeted at any individual. We are simply asking for a neutral, transparent, and comprehensive revisit of the entire issue so that Ido can finally have peace,” he urged.
The group also expressed hope that a joint intervention by the State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council would help resolve the long-running dispute, restore confidence in traditional institutions, and end nearly two decades of uncertainty over the Onido of Ido stool.
