Fifty-six traditional chiefs, sixty-six community heads as well as some residents of Osogbo have protested alleged plans to depose Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.
The protesters converged on the house of the head of all community heads of Osogbo, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim at Odi-Olowo, Osogbo on Thursday around 9 am and marched with placards to the streets.
They later went to Osun Government Secretariat for another demonstration.
Speaking with journalists, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, said they have noticed what he described as some clandestine moves by Osun Government to depose the Ataoja without any just cause.
According to him: “The attempt by the government to take the action is predicated on the existing case instituted by the members of Oluwin Ajibilu/Oyekomi family of Oyekomi’s Compound, Osogbo in Suit No: HOS/115/2022. The 3rd, 4th and 5th Defendants represent the Osun State Government and the case is still pending at the High Court of Justice, Osogbo.”
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He said the attempt was capable of disrupting peace in Osogbo and Osun State in general, stating “it is an attempt to usurp the power and function of the Judiciary to adjudicate on the matter currently pending in the Court of Law and it is highly prejudicial to and contemptuous of the process of the court.”
Head of Osogbo kingmakers, Ajaguna, Chief Gabriel Oparanti said: “The process that led to the emergence of Oba Olanipekun was legal. During his reign, he attracted development in the community. He is not selfish.”
But spokesman o Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, described the rumour as mischievous and wicked.
He said it was an attempt to incite the people against Oyetola.
He berated a letter authored by Osogbo Action Committee signed by Chief Ajadi Badmus, indicating that government has a plan to dethrone Ataoja.