Royal family writes Olubadan over planned installation of Olaigbe as Otun Baale of Okoro-Oketunu
Adejayan Gbenga
The Fijabi Royal Family of Oritamerin, Ibadan, has rejected the planned installation of Mr. Saheed Raifu Adelani Olaigbe as Otun Baale of Okoro-Oketunu, describing the move as illegal, unconstitutional and traditionally invalid.
In a petition addressed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the family opposed the installation scheduled for January 31, 2026, insisting that it was being carried out without its knowledge or consent.
The petition, signed by key members of the royal family, stated that Okoro-Oketunu is historically and traditionally under the authority of the Fijabi Royal Family, adding that any chieftaincy installation without its approval lacks legitimacy.
Tracing its lineage, the family explained that the land was acquired by Babalola, progenitor of the Fijabi Royal Family and father of Fijabi Atilolari, who later became Baale of Ibadan between 1893 and 1895, as documented in Reverend Samuel Johnson’s History of the Yorubas.
According to the family, Babalola migrated from Ogbomoso with other settlers and established ownership over several farmlands, including Okoro-Oketunu, through settlement and conquest.
They further noted that the family later produced notable traditional rulers, including Oyewusi Fijabi, who became Olubadan of Ibadan between 1948 and 1952, and Chief Ladimeji Adisa Fijabi, a former Otun Olubadan, underscoring the family’s royal status.
On the Baaleship of Okoro-Oketunu, the family said the current Baale, Alhaji Raimi Rufai, was installed in 1989 with the family’s approval as a caretaker, stressing that no valid installation can occur without its nomination and consent.
The family warned that any installation carried out without its approval would be null and void, adding that it has notified relevant traditional authorities and security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
