The leadership of the Alaketu Epe-Ketu Epe community has publicly declared support for Chief Akeem Oluwo as the Oba-elect of the town, amid lingering controversies and counterclaims regarding the rightful successor to the throne.
At a press briefing held to address allegations raised by Prince Babajide Adefowora in a recent interview, key traditional leaders, family heads, and elders from the Ketu community came together to set the records straight.
Alhaji Anjorin Lookman, Assistant Secretary to the Oshokeji and a member of the Otunwunmi Royal Family, affirmed his blood ties to the late Oba Adegboyega Adefowora and emphasized that the process that produced Chief Akeem Oluwo was legitimate and undisputed among the ruling houses. According to him, the Adeona Ruling House was chosen by the Oshokeji-in-Council—a council comprising representatives of all four ruling houses: Efunderu, Adeona, Otunwunmi, and Otujeru.
He noted that Chief Akeem Oluwo was the sole candidate nominated from the Adeona Ruling House and was endorsed by Ifa divination, which sealed his position as the rightful Oba-elect.
Though the community celebrated Chief Oluwo’s emergence, a court injunction temporarily halted the coronation process. However, Alhaji Lookman described the suit as a deliberate attempt by the opposition to stall a legitimate process backed by both tradition and the local government’s directive.
Alhaji Lookman also responded to accusations of land grabbing. He clarified that the land he sold belonged to his great-grandmother, adding that he did so to protect his heritage. He alleged that the late Oba Adegboyega Adefowora, alongside a few community members, had invited *Ajagungbales* (land thugs) to forcibly take over lands in the area. The matter was later addressed at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where Chief Oluwo was cleared of all allegations.
Multiple community members, including Mr. Adeomo Koleodu, Ganiu Mufutau, and Olaiya Idowu, testified to Chief Oluwo’s role in helping residents reclaim lands seized by land grabbers.
Chief Akeem Oluwo himself provided an extensive explanation of his royal lineage to debunk claims that he is not a legitimate heir. He traced his ancestry through Otunwunmi, the only female child of Adeniran, whose descendants connect both the Oluwo and Adefowora families. He stated that Prince Babajide Adefowora is in fact his extended family member, contrary to the latter’s assertions.
Chief Oluwo debunked all claims against him, including allegations of bringing out Eluku during festive periods, being involved in the death of one Mr. Shakiru Bello (aka Lekki), and land misappropriation. He clarified that the controversial land had been fraudulently surveyed by impostors and that the late Mr. Bello’s family had enlisted his help in reclaiming it.
He insisted that the entire Eluku allegation was fabricated, stressing that no such rites took place during public festivities. He also affirmed that peace continues to reign in Ketu, pointing to the peaceful press briefing attended by high-ranking chiefs and elders.
High Chief Adewale Taofeek Badru, the Olisa and regent of Ketu, categorically denied ever inviting Prince Jide Adefowora to contest for the throne. He stated that Prince Jide only contacted him to inquire about the process, and at no time did he receive any endorsement to contest.
The press conference concluded with a unified stance from the Oshokeji-in-Council and various royal family heads that Chief Akeem Oluwo remains the unanimously chosen Oba-elect of Alaketu of Ketu. They urged the general public to disregard misinformation and allow tradition and due process to take its rightful course.
