Enugu Government disowns Adebayo’s claim as Oba of Yoruba community

August 24, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Enugu State Government has categorically denied recognizing Alhaji Abdulazeez Adebayo as the Oba of Yoruba Community in Enugu State.

This disclaimer follows Adebayo’s claims of being unanimously selected as the community’s traditional ruler.

The State Government of clarifies that no adoption took place, warns against impersonation

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, the government explained that a conflict resolution meeting was held with stakeholders on August 20, 2024, but no adoption took place.

According to the statement issued, “The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs of Enugu State wishes to issue a disclaimer about a viral news item and a purported interview granted by Mr. Abdulazeez Adebayo Olateju claiming that he was adopted as the Oba of Yoruba Community in Enugu State.

“The Ministry held a conflict resolution meeting with the Yoruba community stakeholders in Enugu State yesterday been 20th of August, 2024 on the Obaship issue and no person was adopted during the meeting but a peace building process was initiated by the Ministry.

“The Hon. Commissioner, Deacon Okey Ogbodo who chaired the meeting stated that the resolution includes further consultations and meetings to ensure a peaceful resolution of their crisis”.

Adebayo, who hails from Osun, had said he became the first ever Oba of the community since the history of Yorubas living in Enugu, adding that seven states of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kogi and Kwara, made up the Yoruba community in Enugu.

However, Commissioner Okey Ogbodo emphasized that anyone parading themselves as the Oba of Yoruba Community in Enugu State would face legal consequences.

This clarification puts to rest Adebayo’s claims, ensuring a peaceful resolution to the Obaship issue.