Crises loom in Orile Imo, a community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, as youths and traditional leaders in the community have openly rejected the kingship of Chief Reuben Sogaolu, the Olu of Orile Imo, accusing him of being imposed on them by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
Speaking on behalf of the community during a press briefing, the Olori Odo of Orile Imo, Chief Jimoh Olohunsogo, noted that the people have no problem with peace but want their grievances heard and addressed by the state government.
According to him, Chief Sogaolu was installed without due consultation or explanation, and since his emergence, he has allegedly been unseating existing community chiefs and installing his own preferred persons as Baales, many of whom are said not to be recognized by their people.
“ Olu of Orile imo has been dethroning legitimate Baales and replacing them with his own candidates. The Baales he installed are not even known to their communities. He also did not undergo any traditional rites required of a king, and the custodians of our tradition, the Ologboni, the Iya Oloja, and the youths do not recognize him,” Olohunsogo said.
The youths of Orile Imo have, however, declared their total support for Chief Olakunle Olalekan, the Asiwaju of Orile Imo, who is also a Baale in the community. They described him as a mentor and the driving force behind the progress of the town.
“Asiwaju has been the reason for our development and progress in Orile Imo. We, the youths, stand solidly behind him because he has always worked in the interest of the people,” the youths emphasized.
The community leaders further said the Alake has not intervened in the ongoing leadership tussle, despite being aware of the crisis.
“Ordinarily, the Alake is in a position to bring peace to a community in crisis, but despite knowing our plight, he is yet to act,” Olohunsogo said.
They also noted that the kingship matter is already before a court of competent jurisdiction and argued that, pending the court’s decision, Chief Sogaolu has no right to parade himself as the Olu of Orile Imo.
While stressing that Chief Sogaolu remains a member of the community, the people insisted that he is not their choice and vowed to continue their agitation until justice is done.