In a statement made available to journalists, Onabanjo described the outpouring of love as deeply touching, noting that he feels honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in him by supporters at home and abroad.
However, the royal prince respectfully cautioned that the process of selecting the Awujale of Ijebuland remains a sacred, time-honoured tradition guided strictly by established customs and procedures.
Quoting the popular Yoruba adage “Ilúfẹ́mil’óyè”—meaning it is the town that bestows the crown-Onabanjo appealed to members of the public to refrain from referring to him as the Awujale or circulating materials that suggest a final decision has already been made.
According to him, such restraint is necessary to preserve the sanctity, dignity and integrity of Ijebu traditional institutions and to allow the rightful processes to run their full course without undue pressure or misrepresentation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the unity, values and cultural heritage of Ijebuland, while urging all stakeholders to uphold peace, respect for tradition and communal harmony.
Onabanjo concluded by once again thanking supporters for their goodwill and assuring the people of his utmost respect for tradition and the collective interest of Ijebuland.