Fresh tension appeared to be brewing in Iraye community in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State over alleged anomalies in the designation of a ruling house in the 1959 Registered Nloku of Iraye Chieftaincy Declaration.
A deposed traditional ruler, the Nloku of Iraye, Oba Samuel Olatunji Kalejaiye, has called on the Ogun State Government to urgently correct what he described as a longstanding error in the declaration guiding the succession to the throne.
The former monarch is specifically demanding the amendment of the name “Sugbada” to “Sugbodo,” insisting that “Sugbada” does not exist in the royal lineage of Iraye town and was wrongly inserted in the official document.
Speaking through one of the lawyers to the Sugbodo Royal Family, Prince Dipo Ilara, the family warned that it may soon approach the court to compel the correction if the government fails to act.
Ilara disclosed this during an interview, noting that a pre-action notice would soon be served on the state authorities in line with Section 22(2) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021.
According to him, the alleged error has continued to generate tension in the community and must be corrected in the interest of justice and lasting peace.
He explained that Iraye’s traditional structure recognises four legitimate ruling houses entitled to produce the Nloku of Iraye — Somade, Sugbodo, Sowomade and Olubinjo.
The lawyer stressed that there is no ruling house known as “Sugbada” in the history, culture or tradition of the town.
He added that the other ruling houses can attest that the name “Sugbada” is alien to Iraye’s royal lineage and has never featured in the rotational arrangement used in selecting the Nloku.
Ilara warned that leaving the alleged mistake uncorrected could distort historical records, undermine the integrity of the chieftaincy system and trigger avoidable disputes in the future.
He also expressed concern that despite several representations to relevant authorities over the years, no formal amendment has been made to correct the discrepancy in the 1959 declaration.
Describing the continued reference to “Sugbada” as a misnomer, the legal practitioner said it could create confusion in the nomination and selection process for future occupants of the stool.
He therefore urged the Ogun State Government, particularly the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to take urgent steps to amend the declaration in line with historical facts and native law and custom.
According to him, correcting the name to “Sugbodo” would help preserve the sanctity of the traditional stool and provide clarity for future generations.
Ilara maintained that resolving the issue is vital for maintaining peace and unity in Iraye, noting that unresolved ambiguities in chieftaincy declarations have often been the root of prolonged communal disputes.
