Residents of Ifon community in Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene in the prolonged Olufon kingship crisis that has left the town without a monarch for more than five years.
The stool became vacant after the death of former monarch Oba Israel Adeusi, who was killed by gunmen along the Owo-Ifon expressway in November 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the community, retired Major General Benjamin Badewole said the absence of a traditional ruler has negatively affected social and economic activities in the ancient town. He explained that disagreements among ruling houses and ongoing court cases have delayed the selection of a new Olufon.
According to the Ifon Improvement Forum, attempts to resolve the dispute peacefully have been hindered by mistrust and legal battles among interested ruling families.
The group urged the Ondo State Government to act swiftly and help restore traditional leadership in the community, stressing that Ifon deserves representation among the state’s council of Obas.
