By Tolulope
In a heated press conference held on Thursday 17 April, the Concerned Mopa Senior Citizens Kogi State have expressed growing alarm over the ongoing chieftaincy tussle, following the controversial selection of Chief Muyiwa Ibeun as the new Elulu of Mopa. This selection has sparked legal battles, allegations of judicial interference, and widespread accusations of corruption involving local and state government officials.
Speaking for the group, Elder Reuben Taiwo Famodile (mni) and trustee member of the group criticised Mopa Traditional Council (MTC) for ridiculous step after it organized what many are calling a “kangaroo screening exercise” to choose a successor to Oba Julius Joledo, who passed away in 2023. The group asserts that the selection process ignored established guidelines and disregarded the long-standing rotational leadership system among the four ruling houses of Mopa: Ajerin, Aisan, Ipatia, and Ilegemo. Chief Ibeun, they argue, is not affiliated with any of the ruling houses, raising concerns over the legitimacy of his position.
However, following his illegal appointment, the Iloke community filed a lawsuit seeking redress, citing constitutional rights to challenge the process. Surprisingly, the case has encountered significant hurdles, including the recusal of the presiding judge amid alleged coercive tactics from Ibeun’s legal team and intimidation involving local traditional leaders. These events have left the residents of Mopa questioning the integrity of the judicial proceedings.
During the press briefing, CMSC representatives outlined various instances where government officials appeared to endorse Chief Ibeun’s claim to the chieftaincy, further complicating the situation. Notable cases include the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, who allegedly indicated that Ibeun would bestow upon her a chieftaincy title, despite the ongoing litigation surrounding his appointment.
CMSC further argue that such actions undermine the rule of law and challenge the traditional norms that have governed the Mopa community for nearly 200 years. The group called upon the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to intervene and maintain neutrality in the matter, urging him to halt any planned conferment of titles related to Chief Ibeun during the unresolved legal proceedings.
“Traditional matters must be treated with the seriousness they deserve, devoid of partisan influences,” the statement read. “We must uphold the covenant established among our ruling houses, as the errors of today may reverberate negatively for future generations.”
As the situation in Mopa develops, concerned citizens have vowed to closely monitor the court proceedings now reassigned to the High Court in Kabba said High Chief Michael Ajayi (P.hd). According to him, the group is determined to ensure that the principles of justice and tradition prevail, urging local and state leaders to respect both community long established heritage and the rule of law while seeking a resolution to the chieftaincy dispute.
He concluded the address by emphasizing their commitment to peace and stability in Mopaland, warning against the desperate motivations attributed to Chief Ibeun, which they believe could endanger the community’s future.
