Ofokutu should produce Aromolaran’s successor, says family

The Ofokutu Royal Family of Ilesa, Osun State, has said it is their turn to produce the next Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland.

The paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran 11, joined his ancestors on September 12, 2024, at the age of 86.

The family explained that it is certain that the crown is coming to the Bilaro Ruling House.

The Bilaro ruling house comprises two families which are Ofokutu and Ajimoko Royal families.

The spokesperson of the Ofokutu Royal Family, Prince Olayide Adeyemi Adurodolorun, explained that the Ajimoko Royal Family had produced Owa twice and a regent once.

He added that a member of the Ofokutu Royal Family had only ascended the throne once.

Olayide Adurodolorun, who addressed a press conference in Ibadan, said the media chat was imperative to put the record straight. He claimed that some members of the Ajimoko Royal family have been going round to lay claim to the stool.

The Ijesha prince said: “Since the demise of our revered king, there have been many meetings on how someone from our family can ascend the throne.

“There is no controversy; the crown is coming to the Bilaro Ruling House. The Bilaro Ruling House comprises two families, which are Ofokutu and Ajimoko families. Within the Bilaro family, it is the turn of the Ofokutu Royal Family to produce the next Owa Obokun of IjeshaLand.

“Owa Ofokutu happened to be the first king that came out from the Bilaro Ruling House after Owa Bilaro himself had served as king. The Ajimoko who changed their name to Hastrup have produced kings two times and regent one time. Ofokutu has only been to that throne once.

“This is the turn of Ofokutu, some are going everywhere now that they still want to be king. This is to sensitise the people that this is our own turn to produce the next king. It is supposed to be in rotation as it has been gazetted.”

He said the family would choose one of the princes and send the name to the kingmakers.

He added that the purpose of this media chat was to put the record straight.

“We go to Osun State in a couple of days to address a press conference. We are fighting for our side,” he said.

The Ofokutu family also commiserated with the Ijesha over the passage of Owa Aromolaran, lauding his efforts in engendering development across the length and breadth of Ijeshaland.