By Abimbola Bamgbose
Residents of Ijebu-Ode on Monday took to the streets in a peaceful protest, backing the Ogun State Government’s suspension of the Awujale selection process and demanding stiff punishment for anyone linked to bribery.
The protesters, under the banners of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, marched through major streets of the town, displaying placards with inscriptions such as “Awujale stool is not for sale,” “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis,” and “We want the best prince as Awujale.”
The procession terminated at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, where the Chairman, Mr Dare Adebiosu, addressed the demonstrators.
Honourable Adebiosu said the Ogun State Government has no preferred candidate for the Awujale stool, explaining that the suspension was solely to guarantee strict adherence to due process.
He stressed that the government’s intervention was aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and peace in Ijebuland, assuring that the process would resume at the appropriate time and produce an Awujale acceptable to the people.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Alhaji Babatunde Salami said the demonstration was to caution kingmakers against actions that could undermine the integrity of the revered stool.
He described the Awujale stool as highly respected within and outside Yorubaland, adding that it must not be subjected to manipulation or monetary influence.
Also speaking, Mr Yusuf Adetilewa and Mrs Morolayo Oyesefo called for equal treatment of all contestants, urging the government to sanction both bribe givers and takers to prevent future disputes and litigation.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers known as the Alagemos in Ijebuland have also endorsed the state government’s action.
Speaking after a meeting at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, High Chief Tajudeen Adekunle Muili, expressed confidence that the suspension was not intended to impose any candidate, but to ensure due process.
Similarly, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, said the suspension would allow kingmakers to conclude the process transparently, noting that the Funsengbuwa Ruling House had already submitted its list of candidates.
Both traditional leaders appealed for an expedited process that would lead to the emergence of an Awujale committed to peace and development in Ijebuland.
Edited by Adetutu Adetule/Maxwell Oyekunle
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