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Tensions are running high in Orile Imo, Ogun State, as a group of youths and stakeholders launch a fierce opposition against the controversial enthronement of Chief Reuben Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo, with plans to seek justice in the courts.
A united front of stakeholders from 37 villages under Orile Imo convened on Tuesday to express their collective discontent with the controversial nomination and installation of Chief Reuben Sogaolu, alleging a brazen departure from time-honored customs and guidelines.
The stakeholders vowed to exhaust all avenues of legal and peaceful recourse to challenge what they perceive as a blatant abuse of power and a egregious violation of the time-honored traditional selection process that governs the installation of the Olu of Orile-Imo.
A strongly worded communiqué, endorsed by influential community leaders such as Chief Jimoh Olorunsogo, Chief Lukumon Ogunleye, and several youth leaders, unequivocally reaffirmed the collective opposition of the Orile Imo community to the contentious appointment of Chief Reuben Sogaolu.
The stakeholders squarely placed the blame on the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for endorsing the contentious appointment of Chief Reuben Sogaolu, and implored him to revisit his decision to prevent further erosion of the community’s cultural heritage and to preserve the sanctity of the traditional selection process.
The communiqué also outlined the Ogun State government’s stance on the matter and praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his regard for the customs and culture of the populace.
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The statement read partly: “We condemned in strong terms the desecration of the established customs and tradition by the imposition of a non-eligible and unpopular candidate as the new Olu of Orile Imo.
“It was unanimously agreed that it was a great disrespect when Mr Sogaolu, who was never a Baale or chief and who does not and has never participated in any activity (be it social or traditional) in Orile Imo, who above all was not even considered, selected or recommended to the Alake by the Imo Traditional Council, was imposed as the Olu of Orile Imo.
“That the youths of Orile Imo are, by this communique, saying no to imposition. We appreciate the fact that so far, the Ogun State government, under the leadership of Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, respects the culture and traditions of his people.
“Having assured that the government will only support the most popular candidate who is acceptable to the generality of the people, the governor and his government will not knowingly encourage any act capable of heating the polity.
It also noted a strong suspicion that Sogaolu’s associates may have fabricated a false narrative and/or misled His Excellency about the true sentiments of the Orile Imo community regarding their choice for the Olu of Orile Imo position.