Youths and stakeholders of Orile Imo in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have expressed their intention to pursue legal action against the installation of Chief Reuben Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo.
The stakeholders, who on Tuesday registered their dissatisfaction during an emergency meeting attended by 37 villages under Orile Imo, said the nomination and installation were done in non-adherence to the established process.
They disclosed that all legal and peaceful channels would be used to address what they saw as abuse and violation of the traditional selection process.
The communiqué, signed by prominent figures including Chief Jimoh Olorunsogo, Chief Lukumon Ogunleye, and several youth leaders, reaffirmed the community’s collective stance against Sogaolu’s appointment.
The stakeholders accused the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, of being responsible for endorsing the new Olu, and urged him to reconsider his decision to avoid further ridicule of the community’s heritage and to uphold the integrity of the traditional selection process.
The communiqué also outlined the Ogun State government’s stance on the matter and praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his regard for the customs and culture of the populace.
The statement read partly: “We condemned in strong terms the desecration of the established customs and tradition by the imposition of a non-eligible and unpopular candidate as the new Olu of Orile Imo.
“It was unanimously agreed that it was a great disrespect when Mr Sogaolu, who was never a Baale or chief and who does not and has never participated in any activity (be it social or traditional) in Orile Imo, who above all was not even considered, selected or recommended to the Alake by the Imo Traditional Council, was imposed as the Olu of Orile Imo.
“That the youths of Orile Imo are, by this communique, saying no to imposition. We appreciate the fact that so far, the Ogun State government, under the leadership of Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, respects the culture and traditions of his people.
“Having assured that the government will only support the most popular candidate who is acceptable to the generality of the people, the governor and his government will not knowingly encourage any act capable of heating the polity.
“That we are convinced beyond any doubt that some hirelings of Sogaolu must have pushed a false narrative and/or misled His Excellency on the true state of affairs with regards to the choice of the people of Orile Imo in respect of Olu of Orile Imo stool.”
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