The Igbein Council of Traditional Chiefs has moved to permanently terminate the membership of five suspended chiefs after a thorough investigation confirmed their involvement in fraud, extortion, and abuse of office.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the decision follows the conclusion of a police investigation which began in July 2024, after a petition was filed by Mr. Adisa Adeboye, accusing the chiefs of criminal activities.
A statement by the council titled “Conversion Of Suspension Of Ogbeni Chiefs To Permanent Termination Of Membership Of Igbein Traditional Council” said the five chiefs, who were initially suspended in June 2024, were Chief Idris Oyetunji Odofin, Chief Mufutau Obayomi Lisa, Chief Surajudeen Ayenreti Baala, Chief Dada Jesiliu Lukosi, and Chief Olowolagba Nurudeen Apena.
The council stated that the suspension was imposed to allow them time to defend themselves against the serious charges, which included abuse of office, fraud, and extortion.
The investigation, which was handled by the Ogun State Police Commissioner’s State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), concluded in August 2024.
PLATFORM TIMES further reports that the police report confirmed that the accused chiefs were guilty of the offences brought against them.
The Igbein Council, which serves as the custodian of the region’s traditions, laws, culture, and moral values, expressed deep concern over the actions of the accused chiefs.
The council emphasized that any violation of these principles undermines the integrity of the institution.
The statement read that despite the seriousness of the charges, the council decided to take a balanced approach, acknowledging the defendants’ long-standing positions within the Igbein community.
It said however, following a review of their past offences, including multiple suspensions for some of the chiefs, the council resolved to terminate their membership permanently.
A statement signed by the media consultant, Chief Olugbena Ogunfolaji said, “
“Igbein Council of Traditional Chiefs is the custodian of laws, tradition, beliefs, custom, culture, moral values, piety, integrity etc, for all Igbein communities spanning about 400 villages or more.
“It is our belief that if any of these attributes is tampered with, then the image of the institution is destroyed. The act of abuse of office, fraud and extortion is criminal and against the law.
“In our endeavour to temper justice with mercy, despite damage it could bring to our personality and damage to the institution and also for the purpose to establish first time offender, we beseech the past behaviours of each defendant from long standing chiefs who are veteran members of Igbein Council of Traditional Chiefs and who have known them for over 20 years.
Responses gathered on individual defendant chief showed various abuses in consonant with their present offences. Below are the findings on these Chiefs.
“Taking a holistic view of the case, the Igbein Council of Traditional Chiefs has moved the suspension against five defendant Chiefs to full termination.”
It added that Key findings against the chiefs included Chief Idris Oyetunji Odofin, who had been suspended multiple times for various offenses, and Chief Mufutau Obayomi Lisa, who was allegedly involved in the theft of cable wires intended for the town hall’s electrification.
“Other chiefs, including Chief Surajudeen Ayenreti Baala, Chief Nurudeen Olowolagba Apena, and Chief Jesiliu Dada Lukosi, also faced significant accusations, with the latter misusing official documents during the suspension period.”
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the Igbein Council’s decision to terminate their membership reflects a commitment to uphold the values of the institution and preserve the dignity of the Igbein community, which spans over 400 villages.
The council, which operates under the authority of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, issued the statement officially announcing the termination.
Attempts to get the response form the Chiefs through the embattled Odofin failed as he could not be reached as of the time of filing this report .
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