Succession Tension in Ijebu Land as Alleged Smear Campaign Targets Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo

Concerns are growing across Ijebu land following what community stakeholders describe as a calculated campaign of persecution against Omo Oba Abimbola Onabanjo, a prince widely regarded as one of the leading aspirants to the throne of the Awujale of Ijebu Land.

Investigations by Ogun Corner reveal that the situation escalated after false claims began circulating that Omo Oba Onabanjo was involved in an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case.

However, after careful checks and inquiries by Ogun Corner, it was discovered that the allegation is entirely untrue, as no such case exists against him with the anti-graft agency.

Despite the lack of evidence, sources say the unfounded claim was aggressively amplified, fueling a wider smear campaign.

Observers note that the attacks soon extended beyond rumor-mongering to what has been described as a deliberate digital assault on the prince’s personal presence online.

According to reliable information available to Ogun Corner, all of Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo’s social media platforms came under coordinated attacks, a move seen by many as another leg of the broader effort to malign his person and diminish his public standing.

The attacks reportedly succeeded in bringing down his social media pages. However, sources confirm that recovery efforts are currently underway to restore the accounts, which are believed to have been compromised by hackers.

Beyond the digital space, concern has also been raised over alleged attempts to intimidate traditional kingmakers.

Community leaders allege that some interests, driven by political considerations, are exerting pressure on the custodians of tradition to prematurely announce a preferred candidate, a move widely criticized as an affront to established customs.

Reacting to the unfolding situation, prominent voices within Ijebu land have condemned the alleged actions, stressing that such conduct does not reflect the values or history of the Ijebu people.

“This is not our way,” said Chief Adekunle Adebayo, a respected elder in the community. “The Awujale stool is sacred. You do not desecrate it with falsehoods, intimidation, or desperation. Every qualified prince has the right to aspire.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Mrs. Funke Sodiya, a civic leader in Ijebu-Ode, urged restraint and patience.

“The process must be allowed to run its full course,” she said. “The kingmakers should not be intimidated under any circumstance.”

Traditional historians have also reminded the public of the established succession order. Alhaji Tunde Lawal, a cultural commentator, noted that tradition clearly points to the Fushegunwa Family as next in line to produce the Awujale, urging all parties to respect due process and avoid actions capable of destabilizing the community.

On his part, sources close to Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo told Ogun Corner that it has consistently been his position that no individual should be torn down in the name of ambition.

The sources maintained that he firmly believes the collective interest of Ijebu land, Ogun State, and Nigeria must always take precedence over personal or political gains.

As tensions linger, calls are growing for calm, truthfulness, and strict adherence to tradition.

Stakeholders warn that dragging the revered Awujale institution into controversy could have long-term consequences if care is not taken.