OSUN: Oguro Ile Town Protests Impunity, Demands Restoration of Traditional Leadership

The peaceful protest by the people of Oguro Ile Town, Ejigbo West LCDA, Osun State, on June 27, 2024, condemned the previous administration’s actions under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s leadership. The community accused the past administration of imposing Tajudeen Oladepo Oyebamiji as monarch, contrary to the town’s traditional selection process and rotation of ruling houses.

 

The community alleges that, since his imposition in 2018, the monarch has engaged in oppression, torment, and religious discrimination, particularly against the Muslim community. Despite ongoing legal challenges, the case has been delayed, leaving the town in a state of underdevelopment and unrest.

 

The people of Oguro Ile are urging the new Osun State Government to review and address the imposition, and the judiciary to expedite the legal proceedings. They demand a leader who respects their traditions, represents their interests, and fosters peace and development.

Youth Speaker OYEBAMIJI EMMANUEL OLUWASEUN addressed the press: “Our appeal to Osun State Government… We urge the new administration under the leadership of our Governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, to immediately review the imposition of Oba Tajudeen Oladepo Oyebamiji.”

 

“The people of Oguro Ile deserve to have their voices heard and their traditions respected. We call on the Government to intervene and restore rightful leadership to our town.”

 

The Mogajis (representatives) of the five ruling houses – Mogaji John Olaleke (Apake), Mogaji Joseph Akinkunmi (Onida), Mogaji Osuolale Adedeji (Oyalu), Mogaji Samson Akinyode (Arojo), and Mogaji Paul Olokuta (Olokuta) – also lent their voices, stating their grievances, the harm caused to the people of Oguro Ile, and calling the attention of the Osun State Government to the matter.

 

“The people of Oguro Ile are suffering under an imposed and illegitimate leadership,” they said.

 

“We deserve a leader who respects our traditions, represents our interests, and fosters peace and development. We call on the new administration and the judiciary to act swiftly and justly to rectify these wrongs. We look forward to a prompt and positive response to our appeals.” They concluded.