Chief Lawrence Ogunsanya has denied rejecting the authority of the Prescribed Authority in Ilawo, Ogun State, challenging the Ilawo Traditional Council of Chiefs to provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Ogunsanya, who is also the Akogun of Ilawo, described the allegation as unfounded, demanding that those accusing him identify when and where he allegedly made the statement and produce witnesses or other evidence to support it.
The allegation followed a public call for him to stop parading himself as Akogun of Ilawo.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Ogunsanya said he never declared that he would reject a certificate issued under the authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo A. Tejuoso, the Prescribed Authority over Ilawo.
He said his payment records also contradicted the allegation, explaining that he had paid for the certificate twice but had yet to receive it.
According to him, the first payment was made during his installation as Akogun, when the certificate fee was included among the required payments.
He said he made another payment in 2024 after the council requested that several chiefs pay for their certificates through Alhaji Ridwan Abudu, also known as Maiyegun, who was then the township’s representative.
Ogunsanya said he was the first to make payment at the meeting and retained evidence, including a receipt.
He added that despite repeated enquiries, the certificate had not been issued, with the council only assuring him that it was being processed.
“If I rejected the authority through which the certificate was to be issued, why would I pay twice for it?” he asked.
Ogunsanya also questioned the procedure followed in the purported withdrawal of his title, demanding that the council disclose the decision-makers, the resolution or instrument authorising the action, and the legal or customary provisions relied upon.
He argued that he should have been given an opportunity to respond before any adverse decision was made public.
He further cited his support for his son’s emergence as Balogun Woro of the 10 townships of Oke Ona as evidence that he recognised the authority of Oke Ona over Ilawo.
Ogunsanya urged the traditional council to withdraw or correct the allegation and any public announcement presenting his purported suspension or removal of title as an established decision.
He also called on the council to address existing chieftaincy disputes in the township, noting that some of its leaders were already involved in court proceedings over their alleged removal or suspension and the closure of the Ile-Ogboni conclave.
He said the unresolved disputes had heightened tension in the community and urged the council to pursue their resolution through appropriate legal and customary processes rather than create further disagreements.
Describing Ile-Ogboni as an important institution for Ilawo indigenes, Ogunsanya called for restraint and efforts to restore peace in the township.
He said he had no personal grievance against members of the council but wanted the allegation against him either substantiated with evidence or withdrawn
