Residents of Ijebu-Ode, under the platforms of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, on Monday took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration to endorse the Ogun State Government’s suspension of the Awujale selection process, insisting that the move would safeguard fairness and transparency.
The protesters marched through major streets of the town, displaying placards with messages such as: “Awujale stool is not for sale,” “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis,” “We want the best prince as Awujale,” and “Let there be a free and fair selection process.”
The procession later converged at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat.
Addressing the demonstrators, the Council Chairman, Hon. Dare Adebiosu, reiterated that the state government has no preferred candidate for the revered stool, stressing that the suspension was solely to guarantee strict compliance with due process. According to him, the intervention is meant to ensure transparency and fairness in the interest of peace.
He praised the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and assured them that the process would soon resume, culminating in the emergence of an Awujale acceptable to the people.
Speaking for the protesters, Alhaji Babatunde Salami said the protest was a call on kingmakers to discharge their duties conscientiously, noting that the Awujale stool occupies a place of immense respect in Yorubaland and beyond.
Another protester, Mr. Yusuf Adetilewa, lamented alleged reports of bribery and undue influence, warning that money should not be allowed to determine who becomes the next monarch. He insisted that only a transparent process would guarantee credibility.
Also speaking, Mrs. Morolayo Oyesefo urged that all aspirants be treated equally, adding that possession or non-possession of certain traditional titles should not be used to unjustly disqualify any candidate. She further called on government to sanction anyone found culpable of corruption in the process.
In a related development, traditional chiefs known as the Alagemos in Ijebuland have also expressed support for the state government’s action. After a meeting at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, High Chief Tajudeen Adekunle Muili, said the suspension was not meant to impose a candidate but to ensure that established procedures are followed.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his intervention and appealed for a speedy conclusion of the process.
Similarly, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, said the pause would enable kingmakers to conclude their assignment properly, noting that the Funsengbuwa Ruling House has already submitted its list of candidates.
According to him, what the people desire is an Awujale who will foster unity, peace and development in Ijebuland.
