By Salam Saheed
The Saki West LG Council of Oyo State has summoned members of the Baale Iya chieftaincy family and contestants to a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for November 10, 2026, as part of efforts to resolve the lingering disagreements surrounding the selection of a successor to the vacant traditional stool.
The meeting, according to an invitation issued by the local government on November 4, is aimed at addressing concerns raised by some aggrieved members of the chieftaincy family over the arrangements for the succession exercise.
The invitation, with reference number SWLG/227/6/74, was signed by the Director of Administration and General Services, AbdulAzeez A.I., on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the local government.
It directed the family head (Mogaji), critical stakeholders and all contestants to attend the meeting scheduled for 10.00 a.m. at the Conference Room of the Saki West LG Secretariat, Saki.
The council explained that the meeting became necessary following a protest letter received from the law firm of K. A. Adegoke and Associates, acting on behalf of Alhaji Rasaki Gbadamosi Olubodun, Mr Sarafa Lateef and Mr Waidi Soliu.
The three petitioners, who are from the Olubodun, Oyelola and Olagbenro families respectively, had raised concerns over the process leading to the proposed nomination and selection of a candidate to fill the vacant stool.
As earlier reported, the aggrieved family members, through their solicitor, had challenged the alleged unilateral arrangements for the selection exercise by the acting family head, Prince Hamsat Adedibu Elesin, arguing that principal stakeholders were not adequately consulted.
They had also called for a review of the arrangements to ensure that all interested parties were carried along in the succession process.
In its latest communication, the LG emphasised the need for the active participation of the chieftaincy family and contestants, noting that the meeting would provide an opportunity for the parties to agree on a mutually acceptable date, time and venue, as well as the modalities for a peaceful and transparent selection process.
It further stated that the exercise must comply with the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, the applicable chieftaincy regulations and customary law.
The council stressed that the personal and punctual attendance of the family head, contestants and other critical stakeholders was essential in view of the implications of the matter for the peace, unity and progress of the community.