The Oba of Ijebu-Owo, Oba Kofoworola Olatunbosun, Ojomo Aruliwo III, expressed dismay over the destruction of stalls and looting of goods at the Ojomo Market, reportedly carried out by participants of the ongoing Igogo festival.
Oba Aruliwo III emphasised that despite the provocation, his subjects showed restraint and upheld their dignity by adhering to the peace agreement that had been previously established.
He said the market gate was pulled down despite being opened for the procession of Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, to pass through.
Oba Ogunoye’s walk through his kingdom is part of the celebration of the annual Igogo festival.
But Oba Aruliwo III, who through Chief Tunde Ojomoboriota, said the procession entered the market, pulled down the fence with the gate, and made away with the gate on a motorcycle.
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He said traditional institution law in Ondo State forbade any Monarch from forcefully encroaching on the territory of others.
According to him, “The participants also destroyed the traders’ stalls and their goods even though the market was deserted at the time of the incident.
“The Ojomo-in-Council called on the Ondo State Government, concerned authorities, and relevant security agencies to do the needful and bring perpetrators to book.”
The Police Area Commander in Owo, ACP Olufemi Awoyale, said normalcy has been restored and that some arrests have been made.