Ijebu Ode, Ogun State — A peaceful protest broke out on Friday in Ijebu Ode as residents expressed strong opposition to what they described as an alleged plot to impose the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The protesters, made up of youths, community leaders and concerned indigenes, marched through Awujale Palace Road to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat.
The Ogun State Government had earlier halted the Awujale selection process following a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
The government said the suspension became necessary after receiving numerous petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders, raising concerns over the process.
The protesters, who carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, insisted that the selection of the next Awujale must be free, transparent and guided by the traditions of the Ijebuland. They argued that any attempt to impose a candidate would deepen tension and create unnecessary division within the community.
Speaking during the protest, one of the leaders of the group said the people of Ijebu Ode would not accept any manipulation of the selection process.
He warned that the community would resist any move aimed at imposing a monarch against the will of the people.
The demonstrators also called on the state government and traditional authorities to ensure that the process remains fair and credible.
They urged security agencies to remain vigilant and protect the rights of the people to express their views peacefully.
The protest, which lasted several hours, ended without any report of violence or disruption. The demonstrators dispersed after submitting their petition at the local government secretariat, demanding that their concerns be addressed promptly.
