Ifo Local Government Obas Validly Elected Iyalode General of Ifo –Olu of Mapara
Our attention has been drawn to a recent publication issued by Oba Adedayo Shyllon, the Olu of Agbado in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, rejecting the appointment of Chief Mrs. Ayoka Agboke as the Iyalode General of Ifo Local Government and describing the installation as null and void.
I, Oba Abdullateef Amodemaja, the Olu of Mapara Town in Ifo Local Government, wish to state categorically and without ambiguity that the appointment of Chief Mrs. Ayoka Agboke was duly approved by sixteen (16) Obas who attended the statutory meeting held on 6th August 2026 at the Ifo Local Government Secretariat.
The matter, when presented, was deliberated upon extensively. Several Obas openly referenced their longstanding relationships and past interactions with Chief Mrs. Agboke, which further strengthened confidence in her capacity and contributed to the overwhelming approval of her appointment.
It is therefore misleading for anyone to suggest that the appointment was unilateral or improperly conferred.
On the Claims Made by the Olu of Agbado
If the Olu of Agbado has personal issues with the newly appointed Iyalode General, he should address those matters directly with her rather than launching unwarranted attacks on the Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government or His Majesty, the Olofin of Isheri, who is the Chairman of the Ifo Local Government Obas Council.
The Obas Council is a recognized formation under the authority of the Egba Traditional Council, and its decisions are binding within Ifo Local Government.
Furthermore, Oba Shyllon’s selective reference to Suit No. IFO Local Government Obas Validly Elected Iyalode General of Ifo – Olu of Mapara
Our attention has been drawn to a recent publication issued by Oba Adedayo Shyllon, the Olu of Agbado in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, rejecting the appointment of Chief Mrs. Ayoka Agboke as the Iyalode General of Ifo Local Government and describing the installation as null and void.
I, Oba Abdullateef Amodemaja, the Olu of Mapara Town in Ifo Local Government, wish to state categorically and without ambiguity that the appointment of Chief Mrs. Ayoka Agboke was duly approved by sixteen (16) Obas who attended the statutory meeting held on 6th August 2026 at the Ifo Local Government Secretariat.
The matter, when presented, was deliberated upon extensively. Several Obas openly referenced their longstanding relationships and past interactions with Chief Mrs. Agboke, which further strengthened confidence in her capacity and contributed to the overwhelming approval of her appointment.
It is therefore misleading for anyone to suggest that the appointment was unilateral or improperly conferred.
On the Claims Made by the Olu of Agbado
If the Olu of Agbado has personal issues with the newly appointed Iyalode General, he should address those matters directly with her rather than launching unwarranted attacks on the Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government or His Majesty, the Olofin of Isheri, who is the Chairman of the Ifo Local Government Obas Council.
The Obas Council is a recognized formation under the authority of the Egba Traditional Council, and its decisions are binding within Ifo Local Government.
Furthermore, Oba Shyllon’s selective reference to The suit number HCT/16/2011 delivered on Wednesday, the 18th day of December, 2019. Hon. Justice O. Ogunfowora is a half-truth. While he quoted the portion concerning late Chief Akinrinade, he conveniently omitted the part of the same judgment that deposed him.
The judgment clearly states:
> 2. It is hereby declared that the 7th Defendant was not validly appointed as the Baale of Agbado nor thus validly upgraded as the Coronet Oba of Agbado, and consequently his purported appointment as Baale of Agbado and upgrading as Coronet Oba are hereby set aside.
> 3. The 1st–5th Defendants are hereby restrained from further recognising the 7th Defendant as the Coronet Oba of Agbado Town.
> 4. The 7th Defendant is hereby restrained from performing or further performing the duties of Coronet Oba of Agbado and/or parading himself as HRM the Alagbado of Agbado.
It is important to note that Oba Shyllon was deposed by this same judgment and has not obtained a stay of execution at the Court of Appeal. Therefore, his reliance on the judgment to invalidate the Iyalode General’s appointment is inconsistent and self-serving.
Historical Context of the Iyalode Title
The Council of Obas also acknowledges that in restructuring chieftaincy titles within Ifo Local Government, the fact that the Iyalode was installed almost 40 years ago makes her the oldest and most senior among Ifo’s Iyalodes. Naturally, the position of Iyalode General should begin with her.
Additionally, several Obas confirmed that their respective Iyalodes already hold meetings at her premises — further demonstrating her longstanding influence and leadership within the traditional women’s structure.
The directive from the Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government was simply to foster collaboration among traditional institutions, just as titles such as Chief Imam of Ifo General and Iyaloja General were not routed through traditional rulers — a practice consistent across Abeokuta and other parts of Ogun State.
Council Unity and Final Position
The Ifo Local Government Council of Obas remains united in its decision. The approval was further supported by Oba Biliaminu Atanda Musadiru, the Olu of Ishaga Abosule in Ifo Local Government, who was present at the meeting and participated in the deliberations.
The appointment of Chief Mrs. Ayoka Agboke as Iyalode General of Ifo Local Government stands as valid, legitimate, and reflective of the collective will of the recognized traditional rulers of Ifo.
We therefore urge the public to disregard any publication seeking to undermine the authority of the Council of Obas or distort the facts surrounding this appointment. by Hon. Justice O. Ogunfowora is a half-truth. While he quoted the portion concerning late Chief Akinrinade, he conveniently omitted the part of the same judgment that deposed him.
The judgment clearly states:
> 2. It is hereby declared that the 7th Defendant was not validly appointed as the Baale of Agbado nor thus validly upgraded as the Coronet Oba of Agbado, and consequently his purported appointment as Baale of Agbado and upgrading as Coronet Oba are hereby set aside.
> 3. The 1st–5th Defendants are hereby restrained from further recognising the 7th Defendant as the Coronet Oba of Agbado Town.
> 4. The 7th Defendant is hereby restrained from performing or further performing the duties of Coronet Oba of Agbado and/or parading himself as HRM the Alagbado of Agbado.
It is important to note that Oba Shyllon was deposed by this same judgment and has not obtained a stay of execution at the Court of Appeal. Therefore, his reliance on the judgment to invalidate the Iyalode General’s appointment is inconsistent and self-serving.
Historical Context of the Iyalode Title
The Council of Obas also acknowledges that in restructuring chieftaincy titles within Ifo Local Government, the fact that the Iyalode was installed almost 40 years ago makes her the oldest and most senior among Ifo’s Iyalodes. Naturally, the position of Iyalode General should begin with her.
Additionally, several Obas confirmed that their respective Iyalodes already hold meetings at her premises — further demonstrating her longstanding influence and leadership within the traditional women’s structure.
The directive from the Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government was simply to foster collaboration among traditional institutions, just as titles such as Chief Imam of Ifo General and Iyaloja General were not routed through traditional rulers — a practice consistent across Abeokuta and other parts of Ogun State.
Council Unity and Final Position
The Ifo Local Government Council of Obas remains united in its decision. The approval was further supported by Oba Biliaminu Atanda Musadiru, the Olu of Ishaga Abosule in Ifo Local Government, who was present at the meeting and participated in the deliberations.
The appointment of Chief Mrs. Ayoka Agboke as Iyalode General of Ifo Local Government stands as valid, legitimate, and reflective of the collective will of the recognized traditional rulers of Ifo.
We therefore urge the public to disregard any publication seeking to undermine the authority of the Council of Obas or distort the facts surrounding this appointment.
