Awujale Stool: Ijebu-Ode Local Govt Chairman Warns Protesters Against Hijack by Hoodlums
Ademola Busayo 
The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, has warned protesters from the Fusengbuwa ruling family against allowing hoodlums to hijack their ongoing demonstration over the vacant Awujale stool, stressing that any breakdown of law and order would not be tolerated.
Alebiosu gave the warning while addressing the protesters at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat. He acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest but cautioned that criminal elements must not be allowed to infiltrate the exercise and cause unrest.
“I want you to be law-abiding. I have listened to your grievances on the matter of the Awujale stool, and I assure you that I will convey all your requests to Governor Dapo Abiodun,” he said.
“I urge you to return home peacefully and ensure that your protest is not hijacked by hoodlums. Your concerns will reach the governor.”
The council boss also disclosed that the Awujale Palace had been reopened since the previous day.
Speaking during the protest, High Chief Adekunle Talabi, the Priest of the Alagemo Masquerade, said the Osugbo and other traditional stakeholders were appealing to the government to follow due process in the installation of a new Awujale and allow the Afobajes to perform their constitutional role in selecting a suitable candidate.
On behalf of the ruling house, Mrs. Adejugba Obileye said the protest was organised to demand the reopening of the palace and to warn against any alleged plan to impose a successor.
“We are at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat to register our displeasure over the closure of the palace and the alleged plan to impose the next Awujale on us,” she said. “We reject any form of imposition. The Awujale stool is sacred.”
Another member of the ruling house, Mr. Olubunmi Adesanya, also urged the government to respect the traditional selection process.
“We plead with the government not to impose the next Awujale on us. The kingmakers and the Ifa oracle should be allowed to select the candidate. We reject imposition in every form and ask our chairman to convey our message to the government,” he said.
The protesters began their peaceful march from Odo-Egbo Roundabout, moved through Awujale Palace/Itale Road, and later arrived at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, Itooro, where they were received by the council chairman.
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