Osogbo indigenes protest alleged plans to depose Ataoja

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Some indigenes of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, on Thursday took to the streets to protest the alleged plans by the state government to dethrone the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye ll.

Some traditional chiefs and heads of village (Baale) led over 100 indigenes of the ancient town in the peaceful protest.

The protesters who were armed with placards with various inscriptions such as; “Don’t cause Confusion In Osogbo gathered at the residence of the Chairman of the Baales, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh warning the Gboyega Oyetola-led government not to embark on such moves.

They stated that the current attempt being made by the state government is capable of disrupting the existing peace in Osogbo and Osun State in general.

They noted that such move is an attempt to usurp the power and function of the judiciary to adjudicate on the matter currently pending in court, adding that it is highly prejudicial to and contemptuous of the process of the court.

Speaking, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim said: “It has come to the notice of the good people of Osogbo land of the clandestine moves by the Osun State government to depose the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Abidemi Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II without any just cause. 

“The attempt by the Osun State government to take this unholy approach is against the backdrop of the existing case instituted by the members of Oluwin Ajibilu/Oyekomi family of Oyekomi’s compound, Osogbo in Suit No: HOS/115/2022: Prince Sakariyau Alabi Adebiyi & 2 ors vs HRM Oba Jimoh Olanipekun (Ataoja of Osogbo). 

“The 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants represent the Osun State government and the case is still pending at the High Court of Justice, Osogbo.

“The current attempt being made by the state government is capable of disrupting the existing peace in Osogbo and Osun State in general. It is equally an attempt to usurp the power and function of the judiciary to adjudicate on the matter currently pending in the court of caw and it is highly prejudicial to and contemptuous of the process of the honourable court of Osun State.

“It is to be noted that we cannot accept this unlawful attempt which will portray Osun State government as highly insensitive and blind to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Osun State. The institution of Ataoja of Osogboland is the custodian of our traditional heritage. Attempt to illegally remove the occupant of the exalted office is an affront on our traditional inheritance which shall be resisted legally.

“The people of Osogbo will not allow this to happen and they are ready to resist this insult and blatant conspiracy to cause disunity, chaos, violence and disharmony among the good people of Osogbo and Osun State generally. 

“The good people of Osogbo are peace loving and they cannot allow anything that is capable of destroying the existing peace being enjoyed in Osogbo and its environment. enough is enough!”

While speaking at the Palace of Ataoja, Osogbo kingmakers also said they unanimously rejected the move by the state government to dethrone the monarch.

The head of the kingmakers and Ajaguna of Osogbo, Chief Gabriel Ojo Opaniran, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said any attempt to depose the monarch in any quarters would be resisted, adding that the monarch has brought unprecedented development to the ancient town.

“Oba Olanipekun is the 16th Ataoja of Osogbo and it has never been in our history that Ataoja was removed. So we won’t allow that to happen,” he added.

Meanwhile, the governor has denied the alleged plans to depose the monarch.

Oyetola in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ismail Omipidan, described the rumour as falsehoods, saying Ataoja is directly under the supervision of Osogbo local government.

“Ordinarily, the Ataoja is directly under the supervision of the Osogbo Local Government. Therefore, the governor has no business per se with his office. Besides, the governor has no issues with Ataoja.

“To this end, I appeal to leaders of thought and clerics in Osogbo to endeavor to find out the truth, know the truth and act based on the truth.

“I also urge the people to disregard the content of this fallacious letter as it does not fit the gentleman’s personality of a governor Osun people and the nation know too well,” Omipidan said.