The Kingmakers, people and the Animashaun Jakuta family of Odo-Ijesa, Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State have countered a verdict by the Owa-In-Council (Agba Ijesa) that Olusesan Ilori is the Chief Orisa of Odo-Ijesa.
The family, in a press conference in Ilesa on Tuesday, said that the position rightfully belongs to Olugbenga Ogunniyi.
Recall that Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran has mediated in the “Orisa of Odo Ijesa” chieftaincy title.
The inquiry set up by the Owa-In-Council (Agba Ijesa), led by the Oba Odo of Ilesa, High Chief Busuyi Badamosi, said it found Olusesan Ilori to be the rightful owner of the chieftaincy title last week.
The Ogunniyi family however said that the Jakuta family has been occupying and entitled to occupy the post of Orisa of Odo in Atakunmosa East Local Government of Osun State.
They said, “the title is exclusively reserved for the family.
“According to history, the Great Grandfather Animashahun Jakuta is a very powerful prince and a fierce warrior. He had a serious chieftaincy rift in Aramoko Ekiti in the presentday Ekiti State with his brothers on kingship of town, and in a bid not to be too provoked to the extent of hurting his brothers or wreck havoc in the town, he left Aramoko Ekiti on the instruction of Ifa (oracle).
“On arriving at Odo Ijesa with his people, the whole community got amazed by the number of his entourage and his appearance as he was holding a crown and Staff signifying Royalty at its peak. The Loja (King) and Chiefs of the town hurriedly went to the Paramount Ruler Owa Obokun to announce the arrival of this mighty royal, who advised them to accommodate him and do everything to be at peace with him.
“He was afterwards made Orisa of Odo Ijesa, the second in command to the king of Odo Ijesa. Any king to be installed in Odo Ijesa since then have had customary spend a months with the Orisa before moving to his palace.
“The three branches of Animashaun Jakuta family are Ogunniyi, Agboola and Olowookere. These families occupy the position in turn. The last family to hold the position was the Olowookere family and upon the demise of the title holder, the three families harmoniously endorsed Olugbenga Ogunniyi.
“It was when Olugbenga Ogunniyi was installed that the families realized that Mr. Jacob Olusesan Ilori had illegally installed himself as the Orisa of Odo-Ijesa. Ilori did so without authority and consent of the authentic families.
“When Mr. Ilori was approached on this illegality, he started insulting the elders of the town and efforts to reach him by the plaintiffs’ family members proved abortive.
“He continues to unlawfully parades himself as Orisa Odo, even as far as putting the inscription of “Orisa of Odo” on his vehicle.”
