Some residents of Imasayi in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State on Wednesday protested against Oba Lukman Olalekan Kuoye, the Olu of Imasayi.
The protesters alleged that the monarch was imposed on them.
The state government had in August installed and presented staff of office to Kuoye as the new Oba.
But some residents in their large numbers protested against the monarch’s emergence, describing his selection process as “politically motivated.”
The protesters, who sang solidarity songs to express their displeasure, carried placards with various inscriptions, some of which read “No Oba in Imasayi oooo. We don’t support imposition in the process,” “We don’t want a political king in Imasayi,” among others.
Speaking with newsmen, the Balogun of Imasayi, Chief Timothy Rotimi Akinleye, lamented that Kuoye was “imposed on the community despite the fact that he is an alien to the community.”
Akinleye said Kuoye’s emergence contravened the age- long process, traditions, customs and norms for the appointment and installation of the Olu of Imasayi.
He called on the state government to reverse the process to ensure the “right process is followed.”
Reacting, the new Oba dismissed the allegations, saying his emergence followed due process.
He added that the aggrieved residents should go to court if they have a genuine case rather than resorting to protest.
Kuoye said, “If truly we are interested in developing Imasayi and taking it out of the shackles of oppression, all we need to do is to say ‘yes, Oba has emerged, let us come together and build Imasayi of our dreams.
“One of the reasons why I am very passive about what’s happening is that I have concluded within myself that I am not going to rule over a divided town.
“That’s one of the reasons I have been absorbing them. And it is like they are taking me for granted now. I didn’t put myself here. My family nominated me. The kingmakers selected me and the government has done the needful.
“If they have any issue, instead of disturbing the peace of the town, they should go to court. Court is there if they have a genuine matter. Why are they protesting? For what?
“I’m telling you authoritatively, in this town, I have more than 95 percent support. If they know I am an alien in Imasayi, why then are they supporting me?”
(Daily Trust)
