Security Concerns Delay Election of New Oniko of Ikolaje-Idiroko in Ogun State

The election of a new Oniko of Ikolaje-Idiroko in Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State, has been postponed due to security concerns, the Ikolaje-Idiroko Council of Kingmakers has confirmed.

The council, which oversees the selection of the town’s monarch, warned against self-appointment and cautioned the public to disregard social media claims that a new Oniko had been chosen.

The Oniko stool became vacant in May 2025 following the death of Oba John Ojo, and the process to select a successor began after the completion of traditional burial rites. Three princes from the Odunfa Ruling House — Prince Sunday Adekambi Olayode, Prince Jonah Ariori Olagorioye, and Prince Adebotiwa Ade — have officially expressed interest in the throne.

“The election earlier scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Ipokia Local Government secretariat could not be held. This followed advice from the Secretary to the Local Government, who cited security concerns as the reason for the cancellation,” the council said in a statement.

The kingmakers emphasized that in situations with multiple candidates, an election must be conducted under the supervision of the local government, with the candidate receiving the highest votes emerging as Oba-elect.

The statement, jointly signed by key council members including Aro Oloorode Mathew, Balogun Daniel Edun, Eselu Fadeyi Kamoru, Ojusu Akinbode Anthony, and Ogboni Oosa Samson Orobiyi, reassured the community that the process would be transparent and conducted in the best interest of the town.

The council called on residents to remain calm, patient, and law-abiding, promising that updates would be communicated as the selection process progresses.