The Alagbado-in-Council, led by the Alagbado of Agbado Kingdom, Oba Adedayo Shyllon, has rejected the reported appointment of Mrs Ayoka Agboke as the “Ifo Local Government Iyalode General” in Ogun State.
The traditional council described the appointment as invalid and without legal backing, arguing that the title does not exist under the Ogun State Chiefs Law or any government-approved gazette.
The council made its position known in a statement issued on Friday, August 14, 2026, warning members of the public against accepting the reported appointment as a legitimate traditional title.
According to the council, the creation of an “Ifo Local Government Iyalode General” position does not form part of the recognised traditional structure in Ogun State.
It maintained that political office holders, including the chairman of a local government, do not have the authority to create or confer traditional titles outside the provisions of the state’s chieftaincy laws.
The council further argued that traditional institutions in Ogun State operate under recognised structures, namely the Egba, Ijebu, Remo and Yewa Traditional Councils.
It said Ifo Local Government falls within the existing traditional arrangements and that an ad-hoc group cannot assume the powers of recognised traditional councils by creating a chieftaincy title with authority across an entire local government area.
Alagbado-in-Council cites court judgment
The Alagbado-in-Council also cited a judgment of the Ogun State High Court, Ipokia Judicial Division, in Suit No. HCT/199/2012, delivered on May 25, 2017, by Justice S.M. Owodunni.
The council said the court ruled that late Akinrinade was not a Baale or Oba in Agbado and was therefore not competent to appoint chiefs within the Agbado community.
It argued that the judgment rendered appointments allegedly made by the late Akinrinade invalid and maintained that an unrecognised traditional ruler could not lawfully confer chieftaincy titles.
The council also questioned the validity of any subsequent confirmation by the Ifo Local Government Council, insisting that an appointment without a valid traditional foundation could not be made legitimate through administrative confirmation.
Council references Ogun chieftaincy directive
The traditional council further referred to an August 8, 2003, circular from the Ogun State Government’s Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the council, the circular directed authorities to stop issuing certificates for illegal chieftaincy appointments and appointments made by unrecognised Baales.
The council said the directive should be taken into consideration in determining the validity of the reported Ifo Iyalode General appointment.
Traditional Council disputes Olofin’s endorsement
The Alagbado-in-Council also challenged the reported endorsement of the appointment by the Olofin of Isheri.
It said the Olofin was never nominated or elected at any meeting of recognised Obas in Ifo Local Government to represent the collective position of all traditional rulers in the area.
The council consequently argued that any endorsement made by him could not be presented as the official position of the entire traditional institution in Ifo.
According to the council, decisions concerning traditional titles must follow established procedures and cannot be based solely on the endorsement of an individual traditional ruler who has not been authorised to speak for others.
Agbado Kingdom already has recognised Iyalode
The council further stressed that Agbado Kingdom already has a recognised first-class monarch, Oba Adedayo Shyllon, the Alagbado of Agbado Kingdom.
It also stated that the kingdom has a duly constituted Iyalode, questioning the need for the reported appointment of another person as an Iyalode with authority covering Ifo Local Government.
The traditional council particularly objected to what it described as the appointment of an outsider with no recognised traditional connection to Agbado Kingdom.
It maintained that traditional titles connected to a recognised kingdom should be conferred through the appropriate traditional institution and on individuals with legitimate links to the community.
Council calls for government intervention
The Alagbado-in-Council urged residents and members of the public to disregard the reported appointment, insisting that it lacks the required legal and traditional foundation.
It further called on the Ogun State Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to intervene in the controversy.
The council warned that the proliferation of unauthorised traditional titles could undermine the authority of recognised monarchs and create confusion within the traditional institution.
It appealed to the state government to ensure that chieftaincy appointments across Ifo Local Government comply with the Ogun State Chiefs Law and established Yoruba traditional customs.
The council reaffirmed its recognition of Oba Adedayo Shyllon as the Alagbado of Agbado Kingdom and maintained that the authority and integrity of recognised traditional institutions must be protected.
The controversy over the reported appointment of Mrs Ayoka Agboke as “Ifo Local Government Iyalode General” is therefore likely to attract further attention as the Alagbado-in-Council seeks government intervention over what it described as an unlawful and unauthorised traditional title.
