•Deposition rumour mischievous, says Oyetola’s spokesman
Fifty-six traditional chiefs, sixty-six community heads and residents of Osogbo have protested the rumoured planned deposition of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.
The protesters yesterday converged on the house of the head of all community heads of Osogbo, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, at Odi-Olowo, Osogbo around 9am and marched with placards on the streets before they went to Osun State Government Secretariat for another demonstration.
Speaking with reporters, Ibrahim said they noticed clandestine moves by the government to depose Oba Olanipekun without any just cause.
Said he: “Attempt by the government to take the action is predicated on the case instituted by members of Oluwin Ajibilu/Oyekomi Family of Oyekomi’s Compound, Osogbo. The 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants represent Osun State Government and the case is pending at the High Court, Osogbo.”
Ibrahim said attempt being made by the government would disrupt the peace in Osogbo and Osun State, noting: “It is an attempt to usurp the power and function of the judiciary to adjudicate in the matter pending in the court and it is prejudicial to and contemptuous of the process of the court.”
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The Head of Osogbo kingmakers, Chief Gabriel Oparanti, opposed the rumoured deposition.
He said: “The process that led to the emergence of Oba Olanipekun was legal. During his reign, he attracted development to the community. He is not selfish.”
Spokesman for Governor Adegboyega Oyetola Ismail Omipidan described the rumour as mischievous and wicked with the aim to incite people against Oyetola.
He berated a letter written by Osogbo Action Committee, signed by Chief Ajadi Badmus, indicating that government had a plan to dethrone Ataoja.