Osogbo indigenes on Thursday trooped out en masse to protest against the alleged plan by the Osun state governor l, Adegboyega Oyetola to depose the ruling king, Oba Laarooye II, Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji.
The traditional Chiefs in present were over 56 and the 65 Baales which led the indigenes through the town, affirming that the rumor can that the king will be dethroned can cause problem in the town.
The citizens held a placards which in it was inscripted; “Don’t Cause Confusion In Osogbo”, “Stop the Attempt to Depose Oba Jimoh”, “Efura oo, Ijoba Ipinle Osun Fe da Rukerudo Sile”, “Ataoja of Osogbo Is Our King”.
The protesters noted that there's an existing suit that challenged the selection and appointment of the king, opposing the fact that the governor want to force the king out of the throne before the final determination is not palatable to tbe ear.
The people in their agitation said the governor's decision is as a result of his loss on the gubernatorial election and because the king supported tbe Governor-Elect, Ademola Adeleke in the Jumy 2022 election.
The Chiefs jointly warned the governor not to implement such decision, adding that it is an attempt to usurp the power and function of the judiciary to adjudicate on the issue in court.
While addressing Journalists, the Asipa of the town, Ladi Badmus, said the Governor during a conversation with him on Wednesday said the plan is false.
Speaking with newsmen on behalf of others, the Asipa of Osogbo Land, Ajadi Badmus revealed that he and Governor Oyetola had a conversation on Wednesday evening and that the governor told him that no such plan existed.
He noted, “We have been inundated with rumour that the state government is planning to depose Ataoja of Osogbo and we have reacted appropriately. I personally authored a letter that is flying on social media.
“Yesterday (Wednesday) night around 11pm, the governor called me and informed me that no such plan exists. So I’m here to brief our people of the conversation I had with the governor.”
Jimoh Ibrahim also 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 Oluwa Ajibulu/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.
“It is to be noted that we cannot accept this unlawful attempt which will portray the Osun State Government as highly insensitive and blind to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Osun State. The institution of Ataoja of Osogbo Land 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.”
While speaking at the Palace of Ataoja, the Osogbo kingmakers also said they unanimously rejected the alleged move by the state government to dethrone the monarch.
The kingmakers' lead, Gabriel Ojo Opaniran said “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.”
Notwithstanding, Oyetola in a statement denied the accusation, saying it is a rumor.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola said the kind is directly under the supervision of Osogbo Local Government.
He said, “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 endeavour 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.
