Oniru Stool: Ruling House Seeks Peaceful Path to Succession

Ololade Bamidele/

Kingmakers and aspirants preparing to fill the vacant stool of Oniru traditional ruler, in Lagos, have been urged to follow the established order of rotation to ensure a peaceful succession.

Noticing a brewing storm as the late Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru Imayin’s rites of passage draw to a close, members of Abisogun Oniru Ruling House, Omisade Branch, have issued a statement to guide those eyeing the stool.

Presenting a historical perspective into the tradition of Oniru Royal Family, the statement signed by Hon. Kayode Rafiu Giwa, a former Lagos State House of Assembly member and past Chairman, Badagry Local Government, calls for a return to tradition as it explains why the succession order was once put in abeyance.

Stressing the need to follow the laid-down tradition of their progenitor, Onigefon Oniru Imayin, the statement recalled what had once led to a radical departure from the old order of rotation envisaged after the demise of “Orunbe Oniru Imayin” who was the founding father of the three ruling houses namely: Abisogun, Akiogun and Ogunyemi.

The statement reads in part: “As we continue the Rites of passage of our Revered Demised Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru Imayin of blessed memory, it is instructive to note that the proponents of the phrases making the rounds lately “It’s Abisogun’s turn to produce Iru’s next monarch” and “it is too earlier to discuss ascension to the throne” are both right since there are as many opinions as there are people; each has his own view” depending on individual perspective and connecting factors which permeates their submission.

“…For the first proponent from Ewumi branch of Abisogun’s ruling house, the period of interregnum between 1984-1994, also the intrigue that ensued and the resulting consequence were unknown in the history of the kingdom.

“Such orchestrated event, could not have been allowed in any known Yoruba land save for kingdoms where their custom and culture are tailored along the Benin customary law of inheritance called “Igiogbe” which allows for the performance of Isoton rite, 15 days funeral rites, which enable the Edaiken (Eldest Male Child) to formally take over the position of his transited father.

“The smooth succession plan in the above-stated order was also corroborated by the event of 1926, which produced Jinadu from Abisogun who died as Oniru-elect; Ilumo, another Abisogun son from Omowunmi was invited to take his turn, but he humbly declined the offer in favour of Lawani Oduloye, the first son of the (Jinadu) Oniru-elect that died before his coronation. These are undisputed facts, now common knowledge, pointing to uninterrupted succession by the three ruling houses.

“The succession plan was put in abeyance as a result of Ogunyemi Ruling House conceding their turn/entitlement to Akiogun to enjoy back to back reign.

“The family memorandum of understanding on the elevation from white cap chief to 1^st class Oba, gave precise insight into the rationale for such concession by the Ogunyemi Ruling house”.

“In addition, the opinion suggesting restraint is equally thoughtful, in as much as the mourning period of our demised Oba and father is still going on it is pertinent in this circumstance to use this period to rally around each other as it is said that in traditional systems like ours, Kings are not considered deceased until the funeral rites and rituals have been performed to symbolize the conclusion of their earthly journey and the commemoration of a new life in the afterworld.

“It is dangerous for Yoruba to shun rites for the dead.”

The family celebrated what it described as the great impact which Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru’s had on the kingdom, saying: “There is no gainsaying that the cumulative period of 75 years, first 50 years by Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru and the later 25 years by the demised Oba from the Akiogun ruling house and lineage was well lived and spent.

“Hence, the role of Akiogun and Ogunyemi house, particularly Opeseyi branch of Akiogun Ruling house being the last holder of the stool in this circumstance will be better appreciated as an unbiased umpire in the race to produce the next monarch of Iru from the Abisogun Ruling House, if they are properly guided, will substantially bring about peace, order, justice and equity among others for smooth return to our classical beginning.”