By Peter Omopo
Residents of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday staged a peaceful protest over alleged plans to impose a successor to the Awujale of Ijebuland.
The protesters marched through Awujale Palace Road before proceeding to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat, where they voiced their opposition to what they described as attempts to undermine the traditional selection process.
The demonstration comes amid heightened tension surrounding the vacant Awujale stool. Earlier in the week, the Ogun State Government suspended the ongoing selection process. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the government said the decision followed the receipt of multiple petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The state government maintained that the suspension was aimed at preserving peace and order while issues raised in the petitions are addressed.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the succession process has continued to generate intense interest and controversy across Ijebuland.
