“Ijebu Erupts! Traditionalists Reject 95 Candidates for Awujale Throne — Demand Ifa Decide”

There was a peaceful but passionate demonstration by traditionalists in Ijebu-Ode last Friday, as custodians of culture and concerned natives took to the streets to demand the installation of a rightful and traditionally selected Awujale. The protesters called on authorities to respect centuries-old customs and allow the Ifa oracle to determine the next monarch.

Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare, one of the Osugbo leaders, explained that the protest was not meant to fight the government, but to express the people’s displeasure to the kingmakers and the Fusengbuwa family. According to Bakare, the presentation of 95 candidates for a single throne is “unprecedented” and unacceptable. The people insist on a shortlist of two or three candidates to be presented to the Ifa oracle for divination, in line with Ijebu tradition. “It is not done anywhere for 95 candidates to be presented for one throne,” he said.

Aremobirin Jadiara, another key traditionalist, said the protesters met with the local government chairman to ensure their voices reach higher authorities. She called for the palace to be reopened and stressed that Ijebu traditions and norms must be respected. “The Ifa oracle has been guiding us from the beginning,” she said, warning against politicizing the process. “We do not want a political king. Leave Ijebu matters to the gods of Ijebu — Akile Ijebu.”

Hon. Dare Alebiosu, chairman of the local government, appealed for calm, assuring protesters that the palace had been reopened and that he did not believe the government was imposing any contestant as the Awujale. He promised to convey their concerns to the governor and urged them to return home peacefully, cautioning against hoodlums hijacking the protest.

A representative of the Alagemo also implored the governor to let the kingmakers do the right thing, warning that any politically imposed king would not be recognized by the community. He stressed that Ijebu must not become like other towns where politicians dictate to kings, insisting the traditional selection process must be allowed to play out fully.