–Why unresolved wealth claims, political proximity, and silence in the face of formal media enquiry are testing the moral bar of Ijebu’s most sacred throne
The Awujale of Ijebuland is not merely a crown—it is a moral institution, a custodian of centuries-old values, and a symbol of integrity that has outlived empires, colonial rule, and political upheavals. That is precisely why the reported interest of Mr. Abimbola John Onabanjo in the revered stool has triggered intense public scrutiny and growing unease.
At the heart of the controversy are serious but unproven allegations, persistent questions about wealth accumulation, and—most strikingly—silence in response to a detailed formal media enquiry issued to allow fair hearing.
Why the Awujale Stool Matters
Historically, the Awujale stool has stood apart in Yorubaland. From pre-colonial times through modern Nigeria, Awujales have wielded not just authority, but moral restraint—serving as arbiters, cultural anchors, and voices of conscience.
Unlike political offices, the throne demands moral legitimacy, not just eligibility by lineage. Any aspirant, therefore, is held to a standard far higher than ordinary public figures. Reputation matters. Perception matters. Transparency matters.
Wealth, Lifestyle, and the Burden of Explanation
Public attention has focused on claims questioning whether Mr. Onabanjo’s reported lifestyle and assets align with publicly known sources of income. Among the allegations circulating in civic and political circles are claims attributing to him:
A solar energy installation allegedly running to several millions , allegedly imported from Germany and installed by foreign technicians
A luxury residential property in Ikoyi, reportedly valued at about ₦4.5 billion
Luxury wristwatches allegedly valued at approximately USD 4 million
These figures, if accurate, place Mr. Onabanjo among Nigeria’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals—raising legitimate public-interest questions about wealth provenance. No court has ruled on these matters, but the absence of voluntary clarification has amplified scrutiny.
Money-Laundering and Political Proximity Allegations
More troubling are allegations—unproven but persistent—suggesting possible links to money-laundering and other illicit financial flows. There are also claims that Mr. Onabanjo acts as a financial front for a prominent South-West governor who has reportedly fallen out with the presidency in recent times.
These claims allegedly would pose a direct threat to the political neutrality historically associated with the Awujale stool. Traditional institutions thrive on distance from partisan power. Perceived political capture risks eroding public confidence not only in the throne, but in the broader traditional system.
It bears repeating: no charges, indictments, or judicial findings have been established against Mr. Onabanjo. Yet, editorially, silence does not neutralise concern—it magnifies it.
Declared Companies and Allegations of Financial Conduits
Further scrutiny has centred on companies publicly associated with Mr. Onabanjo, including Kleensteps, Extol Security, Scent Arcade, and KMF Oil & Gas. Allegations—again unproven—suggest these entities may be used as conduits for illicit funds, alongside claims of other undeclared companies allegedly linked to questionable transactions.
In investigative journalism, such claims demand verification—not dismissal. Equally, they demand response.
The Media Enquiry—and the Silence
In strict adherence to journalistic ethics and the principle of fair hearing, this newspaper formally issued a detailed media enquiry to Mr. Abimbola John Onabanjo. The enquiry requested clarification on:
Source of wealth and luxury assets
Lifestyle–income consistency
Money-laundering allegations
Political financial links
Nature and legitimacy of declared companies
Alleged undeclared business interests
Suitability for the Awujale stool in light of unresolved concerns
The enquiry explicitly stated that:
The report was under editorial review
No conclusions had been reached
The story had not been published
Any response would be fully and fairly reflected
As of press time, no response was received.
This silence is now a central fact of the story.
Why Silence Is Not Neutral
In matters involving private individuals, silence can be a right. In matters involving aspiration to one of Nigeria’s most sacred traditional institutions, silence becomes a public issue.
The Awujale is expected to command respect not by coercion, but by moral clarity. When serious questions arise, engagement—not evasion—is the currency of credibility.
A Test Beyond One Candidate
This controversy is bigger than Mr. Onabanjo. It is a stress test for the Awujale succession process itself. Will modern expectations of transparency coexist with tradition? Or will silence, speculation, and political shadows define the future of a once-unassailable institution?
Editorial Position
This newspaper makes no declaration of guilt. Allegations remain allegations. However, the burden of reassurance rests with the aspirant, not the public.
Until clear, verifiable explanations are offered, the questions will persist—and rightly so.
The Awujale stool deserves clarity, not controversy; truth, not whispers; and leadership beyond reproach.
History is watching. So is Ijebuland.
