The prolonged absence of a traditional ruler in Ifon-Omima, Ondo State, has renewed calls for reconciliation among contenders for the vacant Olufon stool. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has appealed to the contestants to put the community’s interests first and support a peaceful resolution to the dispute that has stalled the installation of a successor since 2020.

The appeal was conveyed on Saturday by the monarch of Ifon-Osun, Oba Peter Ipadeola, who visited the community in Ose Local Government Area on a peace mission. He said the Ooni had asked him to engage the contestants and other stakeholders in the hope of ending the disagreement and restoring unity.

The Olufon stool became vacant following the death of Oba Israel Adeusi in 2020. Speaking during the visit, Ipadeola warned that the lack of a reigning monarch could weaken the community’s representation before government authorities and traditional institutions, urging those seeking the throne to allow dialogue to guide the selection process.

The Asuada of Ifon-Omima, Chief Tunde Eniolorunda, welcomed the intervention and called on the Ondo State Government to ensure that the selection follows the community’s existing chieftaincy declaration. He stressed the need for transparency and urged the authorities to allow the process to proceed without interference.

Eniolorunda also renewed calls for an investigation into the killing of the late monarch, saying the community was still seeking answers. He maintained that resolving the succession dispute should not overshadow the demand to establish the circumstances surrounding Adeusi’s death.

President of the Ifon Improvement Forum, Major General Benjamin Badewole, said efforts to resolve the crisis had included consultations with the Olori Ebis, secretaries of the seven ruling houses and other stakeholders. He explained that a committee had recommended opening the contest to a wider field, but the state government rejected the proposal because, according to him, it was not supported by the existing chieftaincy declaration. He added that three proposed options submitted to the government in February 2026 had yet to receive a response.

Badewole said the forum subsequently sought help from the Ifon Association in America and the Ooni of Ife, leading to Ipadeola’s visit. He appealed to all contenders to set aside personal ambitions and work towards an acceptable outcome. The latest intervention offers another opportunity for dialogue, although the community’s leadership dispute remains unresolved.