By Tajudeen Olohunkemi
The Palace of Ayedun Kingdom in Kwara State, has defended the appointment of HRM Oba Jide Abiodun Towoju as the Obajisun of Ayedun Kingdom, urging journalists and members of the public to prioritise factual reporting, fairness and peace amid controversy surrounding the appointment.
In an official statement signed by Catechist Wale Thomas Abegunde, Acting Palace Secretary, the palace responded to a report attributed to Abdulazeez Arowona in Royal News, questioning its balance, verification and presentation of the disputed appointment.
The palace maintained that the appointment followed consultations and a process involving relevant traditional and governmental authorities, including the two ruling dynasties and the six recognised kingmakers, whose unanimous affirmation it said was reflected in the records available to it.
It urged the media to examine the complete documentary evidence, applicable customary law and relevant Kwara State chieftaincy legislation before reaching conclusions on the matter.
The statement further stressed that a petition or media report does not, on its own, invalidate an appointment or establish that the government acted unlawfully. It maintained that any party dissatisfied with the decision should seek redress through the appropriate legal channels.
The palace also acknowledged the congratulatory messages and expressions of goodwill that have followed the announcement of Oba Towoju’s appointment, while urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory statements capable of threatening communal harmony.
Reaffirming its confidence in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the palace called for a fair, evidence-based assessment of the governor’s decision rather than conclusions based on unverified allegations or one-sided accounts.
It concluded by urging journalists to uphold professional ethics, impartiality, accountability and the public interest, insisting that Ayedun Kingdom deserves facts, fairness and peace rather than prolonged controversy.
The palace reaffirmed that the government has announced Oba Jide Abiodun Towoju’s appointment, adding that any formal challenge to its validity should be determined according to the relevant evidence and law.
