Akande Ayomide, Abeokuta
Scores of residents of Ipokia Town in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Tuesday, trooped out to protest against what they described as "alleged plot" to remove the monarch of the ancient town, Oba Yisa Sola Olaniyan.
The residents, including the youths, chiefs, traditionalists and members of clubs in the town, armed with placards with inscriptions such as 'Ipokia for Oba Yisa Olaniyan'; Onipokia has more than 100% support of Ipokia' and 'Stop politicizing our traditional institutions, leave Onipokia alone', walked through major streets of the town, chanting various songs in support of the monarch.
The traditionalists, who filed out in a procession also poured a libation and offered prayers at the Alaga diety shrine, for peace and development of Ipokia Town.
An Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, had last week nullified the installation of Oba Olaniyan as Onipokia of Ipokia.
Justice Gboyega Ogunfowora in his ruling on the Suit No.AB/253/2019 between Prince Ade Asade and Three Others vs Governor of Ogun State, declared that the purported installation of Onipokia by the Ogun State Government was an act of executive recklessness.
But the protesters insisted the monarch remained their preffered choice and vowed to stand against any ploy to remove him.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Roshid Idris, said the youth in the town trooped out to declare their support and love for Oba Olaniyan.
He added that since installation of the monarch over a year ago, the town had witnessed progress and unprecedented development, saying youth of Ipokia would not allow any action that would truncate the peace the town has been enjoying.
Also speaking, the Head of Iwaye-Dodo Ruling House, Chief Abdul Gafar Kayode, said the monarch was unanimously presented by the ruling house for the then vacant stool of Onipokia.
He explained that the peaceful protest was to show solidarity with the traditional ruler, adding that all legitimate efforts will be made to ensure Olaniyan remains the Onipokia.
In his address at the Onipokia Palace, the Bashorun of the town and Secretary of the Ipokia Elders' Council, Chief Jaiyeola Olaniran, said the Council had observed and noted recent development in the town, pointing out "we have been very resolute and will continue to do everything that will engender peaceful co-exsistence amongst us".
"The onerous task ahead requires our continued and unalloyed support to Oba Yisa Olaniyan. The launching of the road map for the development of Ipokia amongst others calls for the support of all and sundry, because to whom much is given, much is expected. We must therefore be firm in our alloyed support for our Kabiyesi.
"The presence of all of you here today lends credence to this. I therefore wish to reiterate the need for you not to be downcast by the events which recently unfolded. It is a momentary set back, which we shall overcome; evil will never thrive in our land", Olaniran submitted.
No comments:
Post a Comment