By Miracle Okoro, Abeokuta
The Council of Baales in Orile-Imo in Obafemi/Owode local government area of Ogun State, have rejected the installation of Chief Reuben Oluwanbe Sogaolu, as the Olu of Orile-Imo, saying that his choice and subsequent installation, breaches established selection procedures and lacks community involvement.
This was contained in a communique issued after a meeting held on Monday.
The communique, which was signed by over 20 Baales, including Chief Durodola Fatai, Kola Jimoh, Ogunjimi Olusoji, reflected deep-seated discontent among key stakeholders, including the Imo Traditional Council, youth groups, market women, and religious leaders.
The council expressed shock and dismay at the Sogaolu's installation by the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, without the involvement of essential community stakeholders.
It emphasized that the Imo Traditional Council, which plays a pivotal role in the selection process, was not consulted, leading to widespread belief that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun may have been misinformed about the legitimacy of the recommendation.
"The governor, known for his respect for the laws of our land, cannot knowingly support a blatant disregard for the rule of law," the communique stated, highlighting the community's confidence in the governor's commitment to legal and traditional norms".
The Council of Baales therefore declared the appointment and installation Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo, as unacceptable, citing complete breach of the established selection procedures.
The communique noted that "the Alake lacks the authority to unilaterally appoint the Olu of Orile-Imo, as his role is limited to acting on recommendations from the Imo Traditional Council".
The communique further criticized the Alake's recommendation, noting that he contradicted his call for a candidate "most appropriate in all ramifications", stressing that
Sogaolu lacks significant ties to the community and does not meet the criterion.
They contended that an Oba should be someone who is well known, resides in the town, and has actively contributed to its development.
While saying that the installation of Oba Sogaolu could incite unrest in the otherwise peaceful Orile-Imo community, the Council of Baales noted that the community needs a ruler who genuinely represents and has invested in the town.
"As law-abiding citizens, we will not take law into our own hands, but will explore all legitimate avenues to seek justice and ensure that the people's will prevails".
Reacting to the allegation, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, who spoke through the Amona Baaroyin of Egbaland, Amona Tajudeen Oladeinde, said the appointment and subsequent installation of the monarch followed due process, saying that their allegation lacked substance.
He said, Oba Reuben Oluwambe Sogaolu was properly nominated by the Imo people and the candidature was unanimously ratified by the Egba Traditional Council, before the name was sent to the Ogun state government for approval.
He said, "due process was observed at every stage to fill the vacant stool of Olu Orile imo.
"It was after the Ogun state government approval that the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun presented Staff of Office to the traditional ruler. Sequel to this was also the crowning by the Alake".
"It is wrong for anyone or group of people to say the traditional ruler was imposed on them".
He added that effort is in top gear to bring all factions together for the progress of community.
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