By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Balogun of Iddo, Chief Ayodele Koleade, has assured that the vacant Agura of Gbagura stool will be filled within the next month, putting an end to nearly two years of vacancy following the demise of the late monarch.
Chief Koleade gave the assurance on Sunday during a meeting of the Gbagura Youth Development Council (GYDC) held at Oba Agura Square, Oke-Iddo, Abeokuta.
He disclosed that all arrangements and processes towards the emergence of a new king from the Jiboso Ruling House would be completed before the end of May 2025, paving the way for the crowning of a new Agura of Gbagura.
The stool became vacant in June 2023 following the death of Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, Jamolu II, who hailed from the Egiri Ruling House.
Gbagura, one of the four traditional sections of Egbaland, spans six local government areas that form the Ogun Central Senatorial District — Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ifo, Obafemi-Owode, Ewekoro, and Odeda. The Agura of Gbagura reigns alongside the Alake of Egbaland, Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, and Olowu of Owu.
Chief Koleade, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Civil Service, stressed the readiness of the Kingmakers to conclude the selection process despite some challenges.
He said, “We are lucky to have sons of Gbagura like Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside several others in Abeokuta North Local Government.
“Although there have been some challenges causing slight delays, they cannot stop us. We will have a new Agura in the next month. I appeal to all Gbagura sons and daughters to remain patient and prayerful so that God will guide us in this important process.”
