VOICE AIR MEDIA News Update
OSUN: Igbajo Youth and Women Development initiatives, in conjunction with the Coalition of Youth Voice Movement, staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo, the State capital.
It was gathered that their demonstration was against the continuous presence of Oba Adegboyega Famodun as the Owa of Igbajoland, despite an order from the state government.
The aggrieved youth and ruling houses, including Loye Oke Odo, Aworoosun, Nigemo, Omokan, and Baba Owa, from the Owa-Oke Ode side, among others, gathered at the Osogbo House of Assembly with various placards bearing messages such as “Prince Famodun is not our King,” “Owa Stool is not an exclusive right of Famodun dynasty,” “Famodun, vacate the palace,” and “Stop parading yourself as our king,” among others.
They strongly asserted that the current monarch was imposed on the town by the previous administration of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.
They argued that Famodun’s continued reign was detrimental to the peace and progress of the community.
Chief Aderemi Adefe, one of the Kingmakers, addressed the press, emphasizing that the selection process of Famodun did not adhere to the traditions of the land.
He pleaded with Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke to take legal action against Famodun for contravening his Executive Order 5, issued on Monday, November 28, 2022.
Adefe stated that they had chosen a peaceful approach, insisting that Famodun had been illegitimately imposed on the community despite an ongoing lawsuit regarding the Igbajo stool.
Adebisi Oluwaseun Emmanuel, the leader of Osun Youth, appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to take legal action against Prince Famodun for disregarding Executive Order 5.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in their town and expressed their rejection of Famodun’s imposition as the king.
Emmanuel further explained that in 2021, when the people of Igbajo took their kingship issues to court, the judges were absent, and instead of Famodun waiting for a new court date, he left and was later announced as king with the support of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
They called on the governor to address the situation promptly before any unrest occurred in the town.
The protesters urged Governor Adeleke to intervene and resolve the issues plaguing their community, as they believed that Famodun’s appointment was an abuse of power.
They emphasized the need for fairness and justice in the selection and installation of a king, without marginalizing or cheating any of the ruling houses.
During the demonstration, Princess Adeyemi Ajakaye from the Oyiigi Ruling House and Princess Oladele Elisabeth from another ruling house expressed their disapproval of Famodun’s continued stay in the palace and his self-proclamation as the Owa of Igbajo.
They demanded that he cease parading himself as the king.
Prince Kola Adewusi, the state Deputy Governor representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, addressed the protesters and assured them that their request would be considered through the proper channels.
He stated that a white paper would be released by early June and requested that they peacefully return to their community and await further developments.
Adewusi also emphasized that no violence should be incited upon their return, as the state government was actively working on resolving the issue.
He assured the protesters that the governor had not lifted any ban on the executive order and would take appropriate steps to address their concerns.
Prince Adeyinka Ademola from the Omokan Ruling House added his voice to the protest, declaring their non-support for Adegboyega Famodun as the king of Igbajo and emphasizing that he did not represent their ruling house.
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