……As Youths Pass Vote of Confidence in him to remain Olodeke
Press Statement from the Odeke Family of Ekan Ikare
The Odeke family of Ekan Ikare wishes to publicly express our unwavering support for the Chief Olodeke of Odeke Ekan Ikare, Alh. Abdulganiy Imam Bello.
This statement comes in response to the recent letter dated June 26, 2025, from the Olukare of Ikare, which we believe to be illegal and unconstitutional.
We firmly assert that the appointment and presentation of the Olodeke is a matter that solely concerns the Odeke family. Alh. Abdulganiy Imam Bello has not committed any offense, and the Kabiesi Olukare has failed to provide any evidence of wrongdoing.
This situation represents not only an injustice to Alh. Abdulganiy Imam Bello but also to the entire Odeke family and the broader Ekan community.
We would like to remind the Kabiesi Olukare that the Nigerian Constitution upholds the rights to freedom of fair hearing which both Olodeke and our Odeke family has been denied. Our family stands resolutely behind the Olodeke, committed to the progress and development of both our family and the Ikare community.
Furthermore, we reaffirm our commitment to the Olukare of Ikare, as we believe in collaborative efforts for the advancement of the Ikare kingdom.
…..This statement is issued by the principal members of the Odeke family, led by Pa Ganiyu Lanwo.
YOUTHS PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN CHIEF OLODEKE
The Odeke Youth Ekan Ikare has passed vote of confidence in olodeke of Odeke Ekan Ikare, Alhaji Abdulganiy Imam Bello as the Chief Olodeke of Odeke.
This is in response to the letter posted to him from the palace of Olukare of Ikare dated 26th of June 2025. The action of Kabiesi Olukare is against the rule of law and the custom of Ikare as it relates to traditional chieftaincies, especially the Olodeke chieftaincy.
The selection, nomination, appointment, and presentation of Olodeke is primarily the exclusive right of Odeke Family.
The olodeke in person of Alh. Abdulganiy Ganiyu Imam Bello has not committed any offense and your highness has not informed the family of any instance of infraction committed by our chief.
The injustice is not mainly on the person of Alh. Abdulganiy Imam Bello, but on the Odeke Family and the entire Ekan in general. Odeke Youth reminds the Kabiesi Olukare that Nigerian constitution guarantees to every citizen the freedom to associate freely and to practice his/her religion freely.
Odeke Youth remains committed to the unity, progress and development of Ikare. We are committed to Olukare of Ikare in the pursuit of the development of Ikare kingdom.
Abilogun Samson
Odeke Youth Leader.
