Pahayi baaleship tussle: Matters arising, by Samson Alabi

Pahayi is a town in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. It is located very near to Ilaro and not far from the border Nigeria shares with Benin Republic. Pahayi was one of the towns, which were historically incorporated into the Egbado Protectorate under the Dahomians.
The crisis stated some years back after the death of the Baale of the town, late Osabiyi. In most quarters, it is believed that it is the turn of Olugbensi Ruling House, which comprises Kuudu, Lafenwa, Fayomi and Olugbensi families to produce the next Baale of the primordial town. And the Kuudu family has been agitating for one of them to become the next Baale.
The latest introduction Muyideen, popularly called Yemmydeen, who is believed not to have any claim to the throne is a surprise to many people in the community. Muyideen, who at a time was allegedly suffering from some form of psychiatric disorder, came into the scene through some chiefs, including the Otun Baale of the town, and Madam Adekunle, who is the widow of the former Baale after they had gotten some financial inducements.
Another person that has entered the race is Hon. Wasiu Olawunmi, who spent four years in Ogun State House of Assembly and during his tenure made no meaningful contribution to the development of the ancient town, not even a single project. And like Muyideen, he is not entitled to the throne based on history and tradition of the town because his family has no link to it.
Recently some angry youths after a meeting vowed to make the community ungovernable for the paramount ruler of Yewaland if he fails to intervene on the matter because Muyideen and Olawunmi are claiming that they have secured both the backing of the Olu Ilaro, Kehinde Gbadewole, and that of the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in the state.
Indigenes of Pahayi , Yewa South in Ogun State hereby appeal to the state government to resolve the issue, which has been lingering for several years. The absence of a traditional ruler in the community had led to moral, social and economic decadence.
We appeal to the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Kehinde Gbadewole, and Governor Ibikunle Amosun to please rescue our community by making a proclamation on the rightful ruling house and person to the throne.
Alabi writes from Adeyemi Street, Molony Area, Pahayi, Ilaro, Ogun State. samsonalabi@gmail.com.