Awujale stool: Protesters endorse suspension, demand stiff penalties for bribe givers and takers

Following the suspension of the choice course of for a brand new Awujale of Ijebuland by the Ogun State Authorities, a gaggle of residents on Monday staged a peaceable protest throughout elements of Ijebu-Ode in help of the federal government’s determination.

The protesters, beneath the banner of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, marched via main roads within the city carrying placards with inscriptions reminiscent of: “Awujale stool shouldn’t be on the market,” “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from disaster,” “We would like the perfect prince as Awujale,” and “Let there be a free and truthful choice course of.”

The procession converged on the Ijebu-Ode Native Authorities Secretariat, the place the Chairman, Dare Adebiosu, addressed the gang.

Adebiosu assured the protesters that the Ogun State Authorities has no most popular candidate, explaining that the suspension was aimed solely at guaranteeing strict adherence to due course of.

“The federal government shouldn’t be fascinated with who finally emerges as Awujale,” he mentioned. “The choice was taken to make sure equity and transparency within the choice course of.”

He recommended the protesters for his or her peaceable conduct and guaranteed them that the method would resume, resulting in the emergence of an Awujale who displays the need of the individuals.

Talking on behalf of the protesters, Babatunde Salami mentioned the demonstration was meant to ship a transparent message to the kingmakers to behave responsibly.

“The Awujale stool is very revered in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and even past,” he mentioned. “This isn’t a place that must be handled casually. We would like the kingmakers to decide on the correct individual for our land.”

One other protester, Yusuf Adetilewa, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as rumours of bribery and corruption surrounding the choice course of.

“We’re right here to insist that due course of should be adopted,” he mentioned. “We are not looking for moneybags to hijack the method and render it meaningless.”

A lady, Morolayo Oyesefo, additionally known as for equal remedy of all contestants, noting that holding a conventional title shouldn’t be used as a foundation for disqualification.

“We now have heard allegations of bribery involving each contestants and people conducting the choice,” she mentioned. “The federal government should punish anybody discovered responsible. We are not looking for the method compromised, as this might result in pointless litigation.”

In the meantime, the Alagemos in Ijebuland have thrown their help behind the actions of the Ogun State Authorities aimed toward guaranteeing a seamless choice course of.

Talking after a gathering held on the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan, the Alapini Awopa Common of Ogun State, Tajudeen Adekunle Muili, expressed confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s dealing with of the matter.

“I don’t imagine the suspension was accomplished for the governor to impose his will,” Muili mentioned. “Relatively, it’s to make sure that due course of is adopted. We admire the steps taken to this point and solely urge that the method be expedited.”

Additionally talking, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, Excessive Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, mentioned the suspension would enable kingmakers to correctly conclude the method by giving all contestants equal alternative.

“The Funsengbuwa Ruling Home has submitted the listing of candidates,” he mentioned. “The kingmakers ought to now sit down and full the method transparently.”

“All we wish is an Awujale who will promote peace and progress in Ijebuland, not one who will oppress the individuals,” he added.