Protest In Osogbo As Indigenes Accuse Ataoja Of Abuse Of Power 

Indigenes of Osogbo, capital of Osun State on Tuesday staged peaceful protest over alleged abuse of power by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun.

The indigenes and Stakeholders in the town joined the Osogbo royal families at the peaceful protest along Gbaemu junction in Osogbo.

They lamented that the traditional ruler compromised the culture and heritage of Osogbo for his selfish interest.

The Osogbo royal families and stakeholders said Olanipekun appointed some individuals as traditional rulers in some communities against the will of the people of the communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Osogbo Royal families, Prince Agboola Adejobi called on the state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to intervene in the mater to safeguard the future of Osogbo.

Adejobi noted that sacredness of the Ataoja of Osogbo stood is one of the few reasons why Osogbo traditional systems and values have garnered so much respect and admiration over the years.

He noted that the almost magical and legendary feats of Ataojas in times past have also blessed the chapters of oral history, with in-depth documentation of historical accomplishments.

"In the often larger-than-life narrative surrounding royalty in Osogbo land, the Ataojas didn't rule their domain as mere mortals, but like gods and custodians of art and culture. One part as a King and one part as a father to all living and non-living creatures; including the beings that abide in the forest, under the sea and below and above the different layers of the heavens", he said.

Adejobi said past Ataojas are accountable to their people and the gods of the land and that their primary duty is to develop their domain, as well as protect and develop every aspect of the sociocultural well-being of the Osogbo land.

He lamented that over the years, the cultural heritage of the Osogbo Oroki Asala has not been as vibrant and elegant as it used to be, saying that traditional values and morals laid down by past Ataojas have been jettisoned.

His words "It is safe to say that Ataoja stool in Osogbo land has been compromised for self gain. As sons and daughters of Osogbo, we condemned the way Oyetunji Olanipekun is crowning strangers as Oba on Osogbo land. This is totally against the customs and traditions of Osogbo land."

"Recently, Mr Olayiwola Morufu an indigen of Obaagun was crowned as Alagunbelewo of Agunbelewo, Osogbo. This appalling breakdown of law and order and the moral decadence by Oyetunji Olanipekun calls for urgent action.

Adejobi said the legacies of great Ataojas such as Oba Samuel Oyedokun Latona II (1933–1943) Oba Samuel Adeleye Adenle I (1944–1976) and Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi III (1976–2010) cannot be erased from the pages of history.

He said that it is collective responsibility to ensure that Osogbo culture, heritage and arts must are preserved.

Adejobi called on the state Governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Jackson Adeleke to intervene in the matter and save the future of Osogbo.