Dayo Rufai, Abeokuta
The Chairman of Ijebu Ode local government, Hon Oluwadamilare Alebiosu has reaffirmed the ownership and control of the famous tourist centre, Yemoji, as an undisputable and agelong heritage of the Ijebu Ode people.
Hon Alebiosu who made this statement through a press statement he personally signed and made available to Ijebu News Xtra magazine, disclosed that the clarification becomes necessary in order not to distort history and precedence.
Below is the full text of the Press Statement
Reaffirming Yemoji as the Heritage of Ijebu-Ode Local Government
The attention of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government has been drawn to a recent media report concerning Yemoji. While we acknowledge the good intentions behind the statement from our sister Local Government, Odogbolu, it is important to set the records straight for the benefit of the public.
Yemoji is, and has always been, a natural water body and cultural heritage under the jurisdiction of Ijebu-Ode Local Government. Its location, history, and identity are well known to our people, traditional institutions, and even laymen across Ijebuland. Any contrary claim does not align with these facts.
I hold my colleague and friend, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, in the highest esteem as an upright and visionary leader. I am confident that, as a man of integrity, he will appreciate the need to correct any impression that may suggest otherwise. Odogbolu Local Government already has vast land and numerous opportunities for development, and I trust they will continue to harness those resources rather than extending boundaries into what rightly belongs to Ijebu-Ode.
As custodians of history and culture, we reaffirm that Yemoji remains an enduring symbol of Ijebu-Ode’s identity. Our administration is committed to preserving, developing, and promoting it as a unique natural heritage for the benefit of our people and visitors worldwide.
Signed,
Hon. Oluwadamilare Alebiosu
Executive Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government
