Residents Protest Assault On Monarch In Osun
Scores of indigene of Ayedire, Olaoluwa and part of Iwo local government areas of Osun State Monday thronged the street of Osogbo, Osun state capital to protest the alleged assault on one the Royal fathers in their domains.
The protesters that included Chiefs and prominent son’s and daughters of Ogbaagba, Ile-Ogbo and other communities staged the peaceful protest to register their dissatisfaction at the way and manner the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi. allegedly beat up the Agbowu of Ogbaagbaa, Oba Dhirulahi Akinropo.
Recalled that the Oluwo, who was invited to the Zone 11 police headquarters in Osogbo by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Bashir Makama’ on Friday attacked a fellow monarch at a supposed peace meeting convened by the AIG.
The placard-carrying members of the towns had mobilised themselves and stormed the Osun State Government Secretariat, Abeere to demonstrate against the alleged assault.
They accused the State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola of keeping mum since the incident happened last week Friday and urged him to react by reprimanding Oluwo with a suspension.
The protesters’ spokesperson, a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon Sikiru Ogunlade Araoye explained that Governor Oyetola’s indifference on the issue could cause communal clash between Iwo and other adjourning towns, whose traditional ruler was assaulted.
Meanwhile, a statement issued on behalf of the government by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode described as unfortunate and avoidable, the face-off between the two monarchs.
The government said it is aware that the State Traditional Council is looking into the matter.
It further stated that traditional rulers ought to protect and preserve the sacredness of traditional institutions.
“Government noted that situations, where royal fathers engage in public display of temperament, do not edify the revered stools of our forebears.
“We believe in the dignity of traditional stools and sacredness of royalty. We will continue to preach peace among all our citizens and harmonious relationship among our traditional rulers.
“Government is aware that the State Council of Traditional Rulers has stepped into the matter and we are confident that the council will take appropriate steps to preserve peaceful coexistence among the Obas in the state. We do not want any crisis in any part of the State,” the government added.
