Daud Olatunji
Aggrieved youths and stakeholders from Orile Imo in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have expressed their intention to pursue legal action against the installation of Chief Reuben Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo, a decision they describe as a blatant imposition.
In a communique issued after an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, the youths, alongside key stakeholders from the community, vowed to explore all peaceful and lawful means to rectify what they consider a violation of the traditional selection process.
The meeting, which included representatives from all 37 villages under Orile Imo, was convened to address the growing discontent over the recent selection and installation of Sogaolu as the Olu.
The communique, signed by prominent figures including Chief Jimoh Olorunsogo, Chief Lukumon Ogunleye, and several youth leaders from the villages within Orile Imo, reaffirmed the community’s collective stance against Sogaolu’s appointment.
The stakeholders expressed their firm belief that the current occupant of the Olu’s stool, whom they regard as an impostor, would eventually be ousted through legal means.
The stakeholders accused the Alake of Egbaland, the paramount ruler, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, responsible for endorsing the new Olu, of disregarding the established customs and traditions of Orile Imo.
They urged Alake to reconsider his decision to avoid further ridicule of the community’s heritage and to uphold the integrity of the traditional selection process.
During the meeting, the stakeholders voiced their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as the arbitrary imposition of Sogaolu.
They argued that the process that led to his installation did not adhere to the sacred customs governing the selection of an Olu in Orile Imo.
According to them, the traditional procedure dictates that a candidate for the Olu’s stool must have served as a Baale (village head) within Orile Imo, possess a deep understanding of the community’s culture and traditions, periodically reside in the area, and be selected by the Imo Traditional Council, which then recommends the chosen candidate to the Alake of Egbaland.
The communique condemned the “desecration of established customs and traditions” by appointing Sogaolu, whom they claimed neither met the eligibility criteria nor had any meaningful connection to the community’s social or traditional life.
They noted that Sogaolu had never held any traditional title, participated in community activities, or been considered by the Imo Traditional Council as a candidate for the throne.
The stakeholders criticized Sogaolu’s alleged reliance on law enforcement agencies, including the police and the army, to intimidate and oppress those who opposed his ascension.
They questioned the suitability of such an individual to lead the community, given his alleged oppressive actions towards its people.
Expressing deep concern over the unilateral imposition of Sogaolu by the Alake of Egbaland, the stakeholders described the move as “selfish” and “egoistic,” warning that it could lead to unrest in Orile Imo.
They rejected Sogaolu’s installation, asserting that the indigenes and residents of Orile Imo, particularly the youth, would not recognize him as their Olu.
The communique also highlighted the Ogun State government’s position on the issue, commending Governor Dapo Abiodun for his respect for the culture and traditions of the people.
The stakeholders expressed confidence that the state government would support the selection of the most popular candidate, as previously assured by the governor, and would not endorse any action that could destabilize the community.
The statemet read partly, “ We condemned in strong terms the desecration of the established customs and tradition by the imposition of a non-eligible and unpopular candidate as the new Olu of Orile Imo.
“It was unanimously agreed that it was a great disrespect when Mr. Sogaolu who was never a Baale nor Chief who does not and has never participated in any activity (be it social or traditional) in Orile Imo, who above all was not even considered, selected or recommended to the Alake by the Imo Traditional Council was imposed as the Olu of Orile Imo.
“It was unanimously affirmed that the individual (Sogaolu) is also in the habit of using the police and army against indigenes of Orile Imo who does not support his inordinate ambition, therefore raising a pertinent question as to whether such an individual is worthy of being a king over people that he has oppressed and dehumanized on countless occasions?
“It was further agreed that this irregular and gross abuse of power by the Alake in unilaterally imposing Sogaolu on Orile Imo is selfish, egoistic and same is capable of leading to an unpalatable situation in Orile Imo.
“That the Youths of Orile Imo is by this communique SAYING NO TO IMPOSITION.
“That the indigenes and residents of Orile Imo, particularly the Youths have vowed not to recognize Mr Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile Imo or relate with him in such capacity, as he is considered an impostor and a product of illegality.
“We appreciate the fact that so far, the Ogun State government under the leadership of Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun MFR is one that respects the culture and traditions of his people.
“That having assured that the government will only support the most popular candidate who is acceptable to the generality of the people, the Governor and his government will NOT knowingly encourage any act capable of heating up the polity.
“That we are convinced beyond any doubt that some hirelings of Sogaolu must have pushed a false narrative and or misled His Excellency on the true state of affairs with regards to the choice of the people of Orile Imo in respect of Olu of Orile Imo stool.
“That the Alake and paramount ruler of Egba Land is the custodian of the culture and tradition of Egbaland. He should therefore help in safe guarding our identity by desisting from dragging it to ridicule.
“That the hues and cries of the people of Orile Imo is a confirmation that he erred and should therefore ensure that the wrong done the people is promptly corrected.
“That as true indigenes of Orile Imo with deep root in the community unlike the impostor, Sogaolu, we will peacefully explore legal means to correct this illegality.
“That the citizens of Orile Imo should be calm and go about their lawful businesses but they should be assured that the temporal occupant of the stool of Olu of Orile Imo is and usurper who shall by the grace of the Almighty be shown the exit door via legal means.”
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