Contrary to some reports that a new Jaginrin of Ijebu Ode has been chosen, the chairman of the screening and selection committee, Barrister Hakeem Dele, has denied the claim, saying that the selection process has not yet been completed.
Speaking about the selection, Dele explained that the process was incomplete because some committee members ignored the written documents and the rules guiding how the new Jaginrin should be chosen. He said there were written records from their ancestors about the rotation order and that preference should be given to male descendants before female ones.
“We have taken our protest to quarters’ intervention to avert swearing in the wrong candidate. We are waiting to hear from the quarters.”
He explained that the title is very important in Ijebu Ode because the person holding it plays a key role in one of the kingdom’s most sacred traditions the coronation of a new Awujale. “The title is traditionally known as the Jaginrin of Ijebu Ode, and the entire coronation process begins and ends with the Oloja Ejinrin chieftaincy family.”
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He warned people claiming to be the new Jaginrin to stop immediately. The chairman also said the position must be filled before a new Awujale is installed, because the Jaginrin has a major role in the crowning and swearing-in ceremony.
“It’s a very important chieftaincy title in the Ilamuren class and one of the kingmakers. The stool must be filled before the emergence of an Awujale.” He again warned anyone parading themselves as Jaginrin to stop, since the selection has been declared incomplete.
According to long standing customs, the Jaginrin title rotates among the seven ruling houses. “These customs, noted by members, have guided the lineage for generations, ensuring fairness and continuity. The last Jaginrin, Chief Francis Ladejobi, who had the honour of crowning the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, hailed from the Olubamowo branch, which was the last on the rotational list.”
“By tradition, the next rightful turn belongs to the Otuboyejo branch, but having declined to present a candidate, the rotation naturally moves to the Adejako branch.”
Another committee member, Prince Gbenga Fetuga, also spoke on the matter. He said there is a written document stating that before a female lineage can take the position, a male child should first be given the chance to accept or refuse.
He added that the title is rotational and that the last Jaginrin came from the female line. “The last three Jaginrins actually came from the female side. It is an aberration for a female line to now be laying claim to the title again.”
