Chiefs, Youths of Erekiti-Luwoye Protest Against Imposition of Community Oba
Chiefs and youths of Erekiti-Luwoye in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State took to the streets at the Government Office in Alagbaka, Akure, to issue a strong warning against the imposition of a new traditional ruler, the Olu of Erekiti-Luwoye.
While speaking with journalists on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Chief Ogunmakinwa Dupe, the Oyetoyo of Erekiti-Luwoye, stated, “We have lived in peace together until recently when the former Oba, Christopher Omoboboye Kowe, passed away. In the process of installing a new Oba, a minority group, representing about 3% of the community, allegedly attempted to seize the position at the expense of the majority indigenes of the community.
“The individuals in question, Mathew Kejawa from Ikoya and Ilemobayo Ogunjumelo from Oloto, are not from Erekiti-Luwoye. The four families that founded Erekiti-Luwoye are Joola, Lemeha, Lumore, and Akoko. We cannot tolerate any imposition from any quarter. This is clearly documented in the Ikale Intelligence Report.”
Chief Ogunmakinwa further explained, “We have had seven Baales before the government upgraded us to a beaded crown Oba. The names of these individuals were never part of our community. We are ready to vote for Aiyedatiwa in the November 16 governorship election, and we urge him to prevent this imposition. These individuals have no property in Erekiti-Luwoye; they only appeared now because it’s time to install a new Oba.”
Supporting Chief Ogunmakinwa’s stance, other community leaders including Chief Isaac Babatunde, the Lisa of the community, Chief Olatunji Ayodele, Chief Akinkunmi Oluwafemi, Chief Olawoye Joseph, Chief Emeruwa Sunday, and Chief Balogun, issued strong warnings against any actions that could cause unrest in the community.
In response, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, urged the community members to remain calm, assuring them that the government will take all necessary steps to ensure a fair and successful selection process for the new Oba. “I must clarify that I have not collected money from anyone, which allows me to stand on moral ground and tell the other group that they should contribute to the community, not only when they want to install an Oba,” Takuro stated.
He emphasized the importance of viewing the community as one big family and encouraged peaceful reconciliation and adherence to due process. Takuro pointed out that the community lacks a formal Chieftaincy Declaration, which is why the government did not approve the person initially presented as regent. He also noted that regents sometimes create difficulties in the selection process due to selfish interests.
Takuro concluded that the new Oba would be selected according to the customs and traditions of the community, and warned against the unlawful imposition of individuals on traditional stools.
In a swift response, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Hon. Smart Omodunbi, assured the protesters that their concerns would be fairly addressed. He stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa, having served as Deputy Governor and Acting Governor before becoming the Governor of Ondo State, would ensure justice is served. Omodunbi dismissed the situation as mere rumors and assured that the government would not allow any imposition.