“Ijare was never under Akure” — Sejeokun Ruling House warns against distortion of history
The Sejeokun Ruling House of Ijare has strongly rejected claims made by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, over alleged jurisdictional authority on Ijare, describing them as “historically false, legally baseless, and culturally provocative.”
Reacting to the Deji’s widely publicized comments as reported by Roving Reporters, and other media platforms the Sejeokun Ruling House issued a public rejoinder affirming Ijare’s distinct heritage and autonomy, asserting that the community has never been a sub-community or vassal of Akure.
“Ijare is an independent Yoruba kingdom with direct ancestral roots to Ilare Quarters in Ile-Ife,” said Prince Oluwatosin Adekunle Alade, speaking on behalf of the ruling house. “Our existence predates any colonial restructuring or administrative realignments that may have caused confusion. Historically, Ijare was never under Akure.”
The rejoinder further referenced the Morgan Chieftaincy Commission Report of 1979, Volumes 1 to 4, which legally and authoritatively settled the matter.
“That commission, a state-recognized legal body, affirmed Ijare’s autonomy and expressly rejected any claim of subordination to the Deji of Akure,” the prince noted.
According to the ruling house, the narrative that Ijare was founded by a descendant of the Deji is a distortion that contradicts established oral and documented history.
“Such statements are not only inaccurate, they are also divisive. They undermine the cultural and political identity of our people,” Prince Alade said.
The rejoinder also cautioned Ijare indigenes allegedly seeking validation or chieftaincy titles through the Deji’s palace.
“Those engaging in such acts are doing so outside the collective will of the people of Ijare and in betrayal of our ancestors. The Deji has no role in Ijare’s traditional matters. Any attempt to impose his will is a grave insult to our heritage.”
Reaffirming Ijare’s resolve, the statement warned of “lawful but decisive resistance” should the Deji or any individuals persist in attempts to annex Ijare culturally or administratively.
“Our history is not for sale. Our sovereignty is not negotiable,” the statement concluded.
