Ogun community rejects monarch, demands due process

The Council of Baales in Orile-Imo, in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State has rejected the recent installation of Oba Reuben Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo, citing procedural breaches and lack of community involvement.

The community accused the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo of imposing the monarch on them without recourse to the laid down rules

This was contained in communique issued on Monday after a meeting held to examine the brewing discontent among members of the community.

Those at the meeting were said to have included the Imo Traditional Council, youth groups, market women, and religious leaders.

The communique signed by over 20 Baales (community leaders) including Chief Durodola Fatai, Kola Jimoh, Ogunjimi Olusoji, and others expressed shock and dismay at the news of Sogaolu’s installation by the Alake of Egbaland without the involvement of community stakeholders.

The community emphasised that the Imo Traditional Council, which plays a pivotal role in the selection process, was not consulted, leading to widespread belief that Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, may have been misinformed about the legitimacy of the recommendation.

“The governor, known for his respect for the laws of our land, cannot knowingly support a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” the communique stated, highlighting the community’s confidence in the governor’s commitment to legal and traditional norms.

The Council of Baales declared that Sogaolu’s appointment is unacceptable, citing a complete breach of the established selection procedures.

The communique stated, “Alake lacks the authority to unilaterally appoint the Olu of Orile-Imo, as his role is limited to acting on recommendations from the Imo Traditional Council.

“This stance was reinforced by a letter from the Alake dated August 30, 2023, in which he instructed the Oluwo of Imo, Chief Olorunsogo Ogunwemimo Ogunbona, to collaborate with other stakeholders to recommend a suitable candidate.

“Despite this directive, the Alake proceeded independently, disregarding his own guidelines and contradicted his call for a candidate most appropriate in all ramifications.”

The council argued that Sogaolu, who lacks significant ties to the community beyond his lineage, does not meet this criterion.

They contended that “an Oba should be someone who is well-known, resides in the town, and has actively contributed to its development”.

In a message to the state governor, the general public, the Council of Baales warned that the Alake’s actions could incite unrest in the otherwise peaceful Orile-Imo.

They stressed the community’s need for a ruler who genuinely represents and is invested in the town.

“As law-abiding citizens, we will not take the law into our own hands but will explore all legitimate avenues to seek justice and ensure the people will prevail,” the communique asserted, indicating a readiness to pursue legal redress.

The Baales described Alake’s recommendation “as illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional” resolving to vehemently reject Sogaolu’s nomination and coronation.

However, Chief Tajudeen Oladeinde, the Amona Baaroyin of Egbaland has said that the Alake has not done anything to suggest that he acted unilaterally because the nomination of Oba Sogaolu was properly done by the people of the Orile-Imo community.

Oladeinde said that the communique lacked substance because due process was followed before the monarch was installed

He said, “Our attention was drawn to a communique purportedly sent to the Governor of Ogun state.

“Having gone through the contents, we found out that it contains no sustance

“Oba Reuben Oluwambe Sogaolu was properly nominated by the imo people and the candidature was unanimously ratified by the Egba Traditional Council before the name was sent to the Ogun State Government for approval.

“Due process was observed at every stage to fill the vacant stool of Olu Orile imo.

“it was after the Ogun State approval that the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, presented the staff of office to the traditional ruler. Sequel to this was also the crowning of the Oba by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

“It is wrong for anyone or a group of people to say the traditional ruler was imposed on them.

“However, it is normal to have dissent voices. But I want to tell you that efforts are in top gear to bring all factions together for the progress of the community.”