By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The people of Mahin community in the oil-rich Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have rejected the appointment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s kinsman, Oyetade Ofoaye, as the Alaboto of Aboto.

In a statement issued by Pastor Oyekan Arije, Chairman of the Mahin Central Organization, the community described the appointment as an unacceptable imposition of an individual from the governor’s Ugbo stock as a traditional ruler in the Mahin community.

Arije asserted that Aboto is a Mahin community founded by people of Mahin origin and descent, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance. He highlighted that Aboto hosted the signing of the 1885 Treaty of Friendship and Protection between Queen Victoria of England and the Amapetu of Mahin, with Chief Idiogbe, the Baale of Aboto, as a signatory and witness.

The statement reiterated that under Mahin customary law, the ruler of Aboto must be of Mahin origin, appointed by the Amapetu of Mahin, who is the Prescribed Authority. Traditionally, all Baales and Olojas of Aboto have hailed from the Idiogbe family, which originates from Ikokogbe Quarters in Ode Mahin.

According to Arije, successive Amapetus and local government authorities have upheld this tradition, including the recognition of the Alaboto stool by the Akeredolu-led Executive Council in 2019, which formalized the appointment of Oba Beniah Adeola Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto.

The stool became vacant in January 2021 following the death of Oba Idiogbe. His daughter, Princess Olajiire Margaret Odusami-Idiogbe, was appointed regent. Subsequently, Prince Ololade Smart Idiogbe was traditionally selected as the new Alaboto in November 2024, pending Executive Council approval, as stipulated under Section 47 of the Chiefs Law.

Arije criticized the appointment of Ofoaye, claiming that his Ikohi lineage traces back to Ugbo, making him ineligible for the Mahin throne. He cited archival records and intelligence reports describing the Ikohi family as descendants of the Olugbo who migrated to Mahin communities during a crisis.

“No member of the Ikohi family has ever ruled Aboto or been associated with the Alaboto stool,” Arije stated, adding that previous legal challenges by the Ikohi family to claim the chieftaincy were dismissed or abandoned in court.

He accused the state government of rewarding violence, alleging that elements of the Ikohi family were involved in destructive acts, including arson, killings, and intimidation, to assert their claims to the throne.

Arije warned that imposing a ruler of Ugbo descent on a Mahin community could destabilize the chieftaincy architecture and peaceful coexistence in Ilaje land. He noted that Mahin communities within Ugbo territory have never challenged the authority of the Olugbo, and the same respect should be reciprocated.

“It is beyond the authority of any government to dictate customary law. Government can only recognize, not create, chieftaincies,” he said, emphasizing that non-Mahin individuals cannot undergo the traditional rites necessary to ascend the Alaboto stool.

Arije described the appointment as a generational desecration of Mahin culture and tradition. He called on the government to reverse the decision, asserting that the Mahin people would defend their heritage against executive imposition and injustice.

“In spite of our support during the last governorship election, where we delivered the highest votes among Ilaje groups, we are being compensated with the generational shame of this desecration,” Arije lamented.

He concluded by reaffirming the Mahin community’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and chieftaincy traditions.