Odo-Nla Obaship: Ruling Families Disown Benson, Ogunkoya, Afuwape At Chieftaincy Tribunal, Affirm Olowolekomoh As Oba-Elect

In a dramatic turn of events, the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Odo-Nla Kingdom, Ikorodu, has taken a decisive turn, with the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family, comprised of the three ruling families, unequivocally disowning the legal challenges filed by Princes Kareem Benson, Adesegun Ogunkoya, and Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape against the selection of Oba-elect Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh.

This united front against what they called “recalcitrant” actions was solidified during a critical meeting of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family on April 2, 2025, effectively isolating the dissenting voices and reaffirming their commitment to the Oba-elect.

The legal challenge filed by Prince Kareem Benson, in particular, has caused considerable consternation among his own family, the Raselu Royal Family, who claim to have been caught off guard by his move. Prominent Raselu figures, including Prince Ganny Awobajo, the Agbaakin of Odo-Nla, and the publisher of Ikorodu Newspaper, expressed open disapproval.

“This action by Prince Benson is deeply regrettable,” Prince Awobajo said. “After thorough consultation wwiththe Raselu family, it is clear that this move is not in the family’s best interests. It was an unfortunate incident caused by personal ambition rather than family consensus.”

The Uponyewa Royal Family, another key component of the Omo’ba Meta, expressed their continued support for the Oba-elect.

According to Prince Omotolani Ogunsami, the General Secretary of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family Odo-Nla, the Uponyewa lineage has a stronger connection to Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh than to other lineages within the Odo-Nla Kingdom.

He is a leader who is truly accessible and adored by the people he is meant to lead.”

This declaration emphasises Oba-elect Olowolekomoh’s role as a unifying figure, fostering a sense of belonging and peaceful relationships among the diverse royal lineages of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Household and the larger kingdom.

Key members of the Raselu family echoed this sentiment, emphasising the open and inclusive process that led to Olowolekomoh’s selection. Chief Sikiru Otta, the Olootu General of Raselu, and Chief Tajudeen Olusesi Mare, Olootu Wolademo, the sub-branch of the family to which Prince Benson belongs, were deeply disappointed.

“It is completely unacceptable,” Chief Tajudeen Olusesi Mare said. “I, as Prince Benson’s Olootu, informed him that the entire Raselu Royal family had already elected our King, the Fuwagbade of Odo-Nla Kingdom, who is also the choice of the entire Odo-Nla Town. His challenge at the tribunal is completely wrong.”

The royal families also emphasised that the selection of Olowolekomoh was not just a local matter,but had received widespread support, including support from key royal families such as the Adeesho Ademuyewo and Fidipote families, as well as the esteemed Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, His Imperial Majesty DDrOba Sikiru Adetona.

Chief Sodiq Gbade Bakare (Raselu of Odo-Nla Kingdom) further condemned Prince Benson’s actions as a waste of resources and an attempt to attract unnecessary attention and disrespect the elders of the Raselu Royal Family.

The Omo’ba Meta Royal Family unanimously rejected Prince Kareem Benson’s challenge, viewing it as an unnecessary disruption to the already established unity and decision-making process.

Otunba Asiwaju. David Afolabi Ekiyoyo, a leader of the ruling family, hinted at possible sanctions for individuals who attempt to undermine the Odo-Nla people’s collective will for personal gain.

Chief Adeseye Adedipe expressed disappointment with Benson’s “recalcitrant ambush” tactic, questioning his audacity in challenging the Omo’ba Meta Royal Household’s collective mandate in court.

He stated that while he would reserve further comment for the time being, he acknowledged the need to “cross the bridge at the critical point” ifollowingthe Elders and Chiefs in Council and foreshadowed potential “consequences for this monumental betrayal.”

Adding to the condemnation, Chief Odubegu Onabajo Adebayo Rasaki of the Olootu Ogbodo Royal Family issued a public disclaimer against Otunba Afuwape and his co-conspirators, accusing them of orchestrating illegitimate petitions and acrimonious activities.

The statement emphasised that Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape was never a contestant in the selection process,and that Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh’s selection was formally validated years ago by the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family’s Council of Chiefs and Executive Committee, following a thorough and transparent nomination process that followed ancestral traditions.

“We, the entire members of the Ogbodo Ruling House, hereby issue this public “Disclaimer” to refute any fraudulent petitions, legal challenges, or public statements issued by Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape and his brother, Prince Adeshegun, claiming to be contestants for the Ogbodo Ruling House,” said Chief Rasaki.

He also urged members of the Ogbodo Ruling House to disregard any false and misleading claims, claiming that their actions had caused unnecessary division and sabotage of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family’s hopes for the quick and rightful ascension of their Oba-Elect.

The Omo’ba Meta Royal Family is unwavering in its support for Oba-elect Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh, bolstering his claim to the throne and laying the groundwork for his eventual coronation.

The ruling families’ unified front sends a clear message that the legal challenges raised by Princes Benson and Ogunkoya, as well as Otunba Afuwape, do not represent the will of the people and will not derail the already underway process.

The Odo-Nla Kingdom now anticipates a peaceful transfer of power and the installation of their preferred leader, ushering in a new era of progress and unity.