The Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State has clarified that no election has been conducted and no individual has been selected or declared as the new Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko.

The local government made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Secretary to the Local Government, Johnson Babajide. The council warned members of the public against spreading or acting on premature claims regarding the vacant stool.

According to the statement, the traditional stool became vacant following the death of His Royal Majesty, Oba John Olakunle Ojo JP (Afiditi II), and the process of succession is currently ongoing in line with established customs and the Chiefs Law of Ogun State.

“The attention of the general public, residents of Ikolaje Idiroko, stakeholders, and all concerned parties is hereby drawn to the ongoing process for filling the vacant stool of the Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko,” the statement read.

The council explained that in line with the rotational arrangement, the Odunfa Ruling House, next in line to produce the monarch, conducted its nomination exercise on February 4, 2026, at the Ipokia Local Government Secretariat. The exercise was supervised by local government officials, security agencies, and representatives of the ruling house.

Three nominees were presented by the Odunfa Ruling House: Prince Olagoriye Jonah Ariori, Prince Sunday Adekanmbi Olayode, and Prince Olabowale Ade.

The statement noted that the next stage of the process is for the Ikolaje Idiroko Council of Kingmakers (Afobaje) to convene and carry out its statutory responsibility of selecting one candidate from the list of nominees.

Reiterating its position, the council stated, “No election has taken place, and no candidate has been selected, elected, or declared as the new Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko at this time. The process remains active, ensuring full compliance with all necessary protocols.”

The local government further warned that anyone parading themselves or any candidate as the appointed or crowned Oniko before the official conclusion of the process is acting unlawfully.

“Such actions may lead to breach of peace, public disorder, or violation of the law, for which the perpetrators will be held fully accountable,” the statement added.

The council appealed to residents, ruling house members, candidates, and their supporters to remain calm, law-abiding, and allow the lawful process to be completed.