The Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, on Monday, appealed for calm as the concerned Fusengbuwa ruling family members staged a peaceful protest over the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland
The protesters, who turned out in large numbers, marched to the council secretariat in Itoro to express their concerns over alleged government interference in the traditional succession process.
Addressing the protesters at the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat, Hon. Alebiosu acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest but cautioned against criminal elements hijacking the exercise to cause unrest. He stressed that any breakdown of law and order would not be tolerated.
“I want you to remain law-abiding. I have listened to your grievances regarding the Awujale stool, and I assure you that I will convey all your requests to Governor Dapo Abiodun,” the council chairman said.
He urged the protesters to return home peacefully and ensure that the protest was not hijacked by hoodlums, assuring them that their concerns would be duly communicated to the state government.
Responding to claims that the Awujale Palace had been locked, Hon. Alebiosu disclosed that the palace had since been reopened.
Speaking during the protest, High Chief Adekunle Talabi, the Priest of the Alagemo Masquerade, said the Osugbo and other traditional stakeholders were appealing to the government to follow due process in the installation of a new Awujale. He added that the Afobajes should be allowed to perform their constitutional role of selecting a suitable candidate.
Also speaking on behalf of the ruling house, Mrs. Adejugba Obileye said the protest was organised to demand the reopening of the palace and to warn against any alleged plan to impose a successor.
“We appeal to the chairman to convey our displeasure over the closure of the palace and the alleged plan to impose the next Awujale on us,” she said. “We reject any form of imposition. The Awujale stool is sacred.”
Another member of the ruling house, Mr. Olubunmi Adesanya also urged the government to respect the traditional selection process, insisting that the kingmakers and the Ifa oracle should be allowed to carry out their duties without interference.
“We plead with the government not to impose the next Awujale on us. We reject imposition in every form and ask our chairman to convey our message to the government,” he said.
BoldNEWS reports that the protesters began their peaceful march from Odo-Egbon Roundabout, moved through Awujale Palace/Itale Road, and arrived at the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat in Itoro, where they were received by the council chairman.
BoldNEWS
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