The Adetunji family of Alusekere Family Compound in Ibadan has dismissed reports of controversy surrounding the proposed installation of Prince Adebola Kabir Adetunji as Mogaji of the Adetunji family, saying the prince is not competing with anyone for the position.
In a statement signed by the family’s Media Consultant, Lanre Durodola, the family said Prince Adebola Kabir Adetunji is being installed specifically as Mogaji of his father’s family, the late His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, and not as Mogaji of the entire Alusekere Compound.
The family explained that following the death of Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, a letter was written to Prince Adebola by the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Isola Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, inviting him for installation as Mogaji of the Adetunji family.
According to the statement, the letter, signed by the Secretary to the Olubadan Advisory Council, Mr. K. Liasu, on January 11, 2024, invited Prince Adebola to the Olubadan Palace, Alliwo, for the installation scheduled for January 15, 2024. However, he could not attend due to workplace commitments.
The family further stated that Prince Adebola was subsequently invited by the immediate past Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, for the same purpose, but the installation was stalled following the death of Oba Olakulehin.
It said the current Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was therefore only continuing a process initiated by his predecessors.
The family cited the example of the late His Imperial Majesty, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, who was reportedly made Mogaji of the Ladunni family before eventually ascending the throne as Olubadan of Ibadanland. The family noted that the existence of both Mogaji Ladunni and Odugade family has not created any problem.
“The saying is, ‘the more, the merrier,’” the statement added.
The Adetunji family therefore urged members of the public to disregard any suggestion that the development constitutes a dispute involving the Olubadan or the Olubadan Advisory Council.
According to the family, the matter is an existing process that predates the current administration and is being actualised based on actions already taken by previous Olubadans.
The statement was signed by Lanre Durodola, Media Consultant to the Adetunji Family.
