Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the new Jaginrin of Ijebu Ode has emerged, the chairman of the screening and selection committee, Barrister Hakeem Dele, has refuted the claim, saying that the selection process was inconclusive.

Speaking against the backdrop of the selection of the new Jaginrin, Dele disclosed that the process was inconclusive due to some members of the committee jettisoning written documents and the rules guiding the selection of the new Jaginrin.
Dele stated that there were written documents by the forebears on the rotational order and the preference for the offshoots of the male children before the female children.
“We have taken our protest to quarters’ intervention to avert swearing in the wrong candidate. We are waiting to hear from the quarters.”

“The title is a highly revered chieftaincy title in Ijebu Ode, and its bearer plays a central role in one of the most sacred traditions of the Ijebu kingdom, that of 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.”
He warned those parading themselves to desist from such acts.
The committee chairman noted that the vacant stool had to be filled prior to the installation of the new Awujale because of the Jaginrin’s important role in crowning and swearing in the new Awujale.

“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 warned those parading themselves to desist, as the selection was declared inconclusive.
According to long-established custom, succession to the Jaginrin title follows a rotational order 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.”
Also speaking on the issue, a member of the screening committee, Prince Gbenga Fetuga, explained that there was a written document stating that before a female lineage can occupy the position, a male child should be given the right of refusal.
He stated that the title is rotational, and 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.”
He further maintains that if the needful is not done, they might be left with no option but to approach a competent court for redress.