Kwara Government Urged to Intervene in Okeya-Ipoh Obaship Dispute
The ongoing Obaship crisis in Okeya-Ipoh, located in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has escalated significantly. The Gbayorike/Gbayesola Governing House, one of the two officially recognized royal houses, has publicly distanced itself from Alhaji Ganiyu Akinola Oyewole of the Abisokanrin Compound, a candidate for the Oludopo position.
Officials from the ruling house asserted that Oyewole lacks legitimate familial ties to the royal lineage, which renders him ineligible for the throne. “As per established customs and traditions, only recognized members of Okeya Ipoh and descendants of the Gbayorike/Gbayesola lineage are considered for the Observership Stool. The Gbayorike/Gbayesola House does not have any biological or marital connections to the Abisokanrin family or to Oyewole,” stated the ruling party.
The statement firmly underscored that any claims made by Oyewole regarding his association with the Gbayorike/Gbayesola ruling house, including his recent application for the title of Okeya Ipoh Ordopo, should be disregarded by community members, stakeholders, and government authorities alike.
Historically, the succession of the Oludopo has alternated exclusively between the Orunlade-Odopo-Oyo House and the Gbayorike/Gbayesola House. This long-standing tradition has shaped the community’s royal lineage since its inception. The throne became vacant on August 12, 2025, following the death of Oba Saheed Giwa Opadoye, Oyerekan III, who reigned for 15 years and was widely respected for fostering peace and development within the community.
After the monarch’s passing, eligible princes from the recognized ruling houses began to present their aspirations to the Kingmaker Council. However, the candidacy of Alhaji Ganiyu Oyewole generated considerable controversy, as many locals contend that he does not belong to either of the two recognized houses. Tensions have escalated, leading to a deeply divided community.
Reports indicate that some aspirants may have exerted influence over the expanded kingmaker council’s member composition, raising questions about the legitimacy of their participation. Critics allege that an attempt has been made to propose Oyewole as the favored candidate, despite accusations that he lacks true princely credentials.
On November 17, 2025, key stakeholders from Okeya Ipoh sent a letter to the Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government and the Igbomina Traditional Council, unanimously rejecting Oyewole’s candidacy. The correspondence unequivocally stated that “Mr. Alhaji Ganiyu Oyewole is not qualified to occupy the vacant throne of Ordopo, Okeya-Ipoh.” Prominent community figures, including Chief Isiaka Oyewole and Dr. Joe Odedina, lent their support to the letter, reinforcing the collective opposition to his nomination.
Officials have cautioned that imposing an unqualified candidate could jeopardize the long-standing peace and unity enjoyed by the community. Sources within Okeya-Ipoh suggest that influential stakeholders are actively delaying the selection process, attempting to pave the way for candidates who have been expressly rejected. Meanwhile, the Kwara State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy has urged the two recognized kingmakers to reassess the expanded council’s previous report to align it with traditional legitimacy.
Despite these challenges, the Elemo of Okeya Ipoh is reportedly working diligently to ensure that only those who meet traditional qualifications are considered for the Ordopo throne. As the community navigates this complex situation, the role of tradition and legitimacy remains pivotal in determining its future leadership.
