Protesting women in Ifon-Osun town have urged the Osun State Government to adhere to the 1978 Chieftaincy Declaration in selecting a new monarch for the community.
The women, who gathered in large numbers on Tuesday in Ifon-Osun town, Orolu Local Government Area, voiced their opposition to the alleged plan to choose a new traditional ruler for the town without following due process.
Expressing their discontent, they asserted that the government had neglected the legal procedures in the selection process and emphasized the importance of adhering to the 1979 declaration, which had been validated by a court of competent jurisdiction.
According to the protesters, there are five ruling houses in Ifon-Orolu, and they firmly believe that it is the turn of the Odunolu ruling house to produce the next occupant of the throne if due process is duly followed. They cautioned that any attempt to impose a candidate could escalate tensions and worsen the security situation in the area.
Princess Salmot Adeniji, a protester, highlighted Ifon's traditional practices in selecting a new king and appealed to the state governor to uphold these customs.
She emphasized the significance of the Odunolu ruling house and implored the government not to succumb to the interests of those seeking to subvert the established traditions.
Another protester, Princess Folashade Oyedotun, underscored the peaceful nature of Ifon-Orolu people and their aversion to any actions that could disrupt harmony.
Oyedotun disputed the legitimacy of a purported letter issued to the Moronfolu ruling house, alleging that it was invalid. She recounted a sequence of events, including the withdrawal of a letter previously issued to the Odunolu ruling house and subsequent legal proceedings initiated by the Moronfolu ruling house.
She claimed that despite ongoing court proceedings, the government disregarded the matter and appointed a candidate from the Morounfolu ruling house, citing judicial staff strikes and communal conflicts as contributing factors.
