—Urges Kwara State Government to Act Accordingly

The ongoing Obaship tussle in Okeya-Ipo town, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has taken a new turn as one of the two recognised ruling houses in the community, the Gbayeorike/Gbaiyesola Ruling House, has publicly disowned an aspirant to the Oludopo stool, Alhaji Ganiyu Akinola Oyewole of Abisokanrin Compound.

In a public disclaimer published in The Punch newspaper on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the ruling house stated that the aspirant is not a member of its lineage and is therefore not qualified to contest for the throne.

The statement read: “Only duly recognised members and descendants of Gbayeorike/Gbaiyesola (Majayo and Alebiosu lineages) of Okeya-Ipo, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State, in accordance with established customs and tradition, are qualified to be nominated and considered for the Obaship stool in Okeya-Ipo. Gbayeorike/Gbaiyesola Ruling House has no biological or marital relationship with the Abisokanrin Family and, by extension, Alhaji Ganiyu Akinola Oyewole.”

It further added:“Consequently, any claim by Alhaji Ganiyu Akinola Oyewole to represent or belong to the Gbayeorike/Gbaiyesola Ruling House/Family, including his recent application for the position of Oludopo of Okeya-Ipo, is baseless and should be disregarded by all persons, stakeholders, kingmakers, the Kwara State Government, or any concerned authorities at any level.”

According to historical records cited by community stakeholders, the Oludopo stool rotates between two recognised ruling houses — the Olunlade Odopo-Oyo Ruling House and the Gbayeorike/Gbaiyesola Ruling House.

The stool became vacant following the passing of the monarch, Oba Saheed Giwa Opadoye, Oyelekan III, the 10th Oludopo of Okeya-Ipo, on August 12, 2025.

Following his demise, the selection process commenced, with candidates presenting themselves for consideration.

In a letter dated November 17, 2025, addressed to the Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government and copied to the Igbomina Traditional Council, community stakeholders rejected the candidacy of Alhaji Ganiyu Oyewole.

The letter stated:

“We, the entire blocs of Okeya-Ipo community in Irepodun LGA of Kwara State, hereby affirm that Alhaji Ganiyu Oyewole is not eligible to the vacant throne of Oludopo of Okeya-Ipo.”

The letter was jointly signed by community leaders, including the Elemoh of Okeya-Ipo, Chief Isiaka Oyewole; the Asiwaju of Okeya-Ipo, Engr. Biodun Omoniyi; the President of the Okeya-Ipo Community Development Association, Dr. Joe Odedina; representatives of both ruling houses; and religious and youth leaders in the community.

The Gbayeorike/Gbaiyesola Ruling House urged the Kwara State Government and relevant authorities to take note of its position as contained in the published disclaimer.

The situation remains under the attention of stakeholders as the selection process continues.