Traditional chiefs in Osogbo and residents thronged the streets of the Osun State capital on Thursday, protesting an alleged attempt by the state government to depose Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The chiefs, community heads, village heads, heads of different markets, youths and women gathered at Jimoh Buraimoh’s house in the Odi-Olowo area. They drove to the Government Secretariat, Abere, before returning to the Ataoja’s palace.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as, “Don’t cause confusion and violence in Osogbo,” “Ataoja has done nothing wrong,” “We won’t allow our heritage to be destroyed,” and Oba Jimoh is our choice, don’t dethrone him,” among others.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the chairman of heads of communities, Jimoh Buraimoh, who is also head of the Gbodofon community, urged the state government not to cause confusion and chaos in Osogbo with the purported move to dethrone the monarch.
“It is to be noted that we cannot accept this unlawful attempt, which will portray the Osun State Government as highly insensitive and blind to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Osun State. The institution of Ataoja of Osogboland is the custodian of our traditional heritage. Attempting to remove the exalted office’s occupant illegally is an affront to our traditional inheritance, which shall be resisted legally.
“The people of Osogbo will not allow this to happen and are ready to resist this insult and blatant conspiracy to cause disunity, chaos, violence and disharmony among the good people of Osogbo and Osun State. The good people of Osogbo are peace-loving and cannot allow anything to destroy the existing peace being enjoyed in Osogbo and its environment.”
Speaking on behalf of the kingmakers, the head, Gabriel Oparanti, said they will resist any attempt to dethrone the monarch, saying there is no court judgment to warrant such action.
No plan to dethrone Ataoja — Oyetola
Meanwhile, state Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, in a statement by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, said those spreading the news are trying to turn the community against the governor, as there is no plan to dethrone the Ataoja of Osogbo.
“Ordinarily, the Ataoja is directly under the supervision of the Osogbo Local Government. Therefore, the governor has no business per se with his office. Besides, the governor has no issues with Ataoja.
“To this end, I appeal to leaders of thought and clerics in Osogbo to endeavour to find out the truth, know the truth and act based on the truth.
“I also urge the people to disregard the content of this fallacious letter, as it does not fit the gentleman’s personality of a governor that Osun people and the nation know too well,” Omipidan said.
