Residents of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday took to the streets to protest alleged plans to impose a successor to the Awujale of Ijebuland, sparking tension in parts of the ancient town.
The protest, which was largely peaceful, saw aggrieved residents march through Awujale Palace Road before heading to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat, where they expressed strong opposition to what they described as a questionable succession process.
Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the protesters warned against any move that would sideline tradition or ignore the collective will of the people in the selection of the next Awujale.
The demonstration comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of the succession process, with protesters insisting that the revered stool must not be subjected to political or external interference.
Earlier in the week, the Ogun State Government had suspended the Awujale selection process following a surge of petitions from security agencies and key stakeholders. The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
The state government said the decision was taken to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to allow for proper review of the issues raised.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not indicated when or how the selection process would resume, while residents continue to call for transparency and strict adherence to tradition in choosing the next Awujale.
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