Residents of Kajola town in Osun State expressed their discontent on Thursday over the proposed installment of a new monarch, causing tension in the community. The state government’s intention to bestow the staff of office upon Aderibigbe Omirin as the Loja of Kajola sparked the protest.
The demonstrators, blocking the Osogbo-Ilesha road, voiced their opposition, citing Omirin’s alleged illegitimacy for the role, asserting that he hailed from Ilase and had previously held kingship there.
According to Akinyemi Benjamin, a prince of Kajola, Omirin’s appointment violates traditional and legal norms, given his past kingship in Ilase, which renders him ineligible to govern another town. Benjamin further alleged that Dosu Babatunde, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is representing Omirin in a pending case at the Court of Appeal in Akure.
Iyabo Adegbobi, the Iyaloja of Kajola, echoed the community’s concerns, urging swift intervention from the state government to prevent potential communal unrest. Responding to inquiries, Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, acknowledged the protest, stating that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who is currently addressing it.
IMAGE: DailyPost
