Protest in Ile-Ife over appointment of new Obalufe

For the second day, members of the Aga Orunto Ruling Family, yesterday, staged a peaceful protest to Ooni of Ife’s palace over the appointment of new Obalufe, Comrade Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura.

Protesters had last Thursday besieged the palace few hours before the official pronouncement of the new Obalufe, who is the second in command to Ooni, to register their displeasure on the choice. Those who staged yesterday’s protest along the major streets of Ile-Ife before terminating at the palace alleged imposition of the candidate and demanded reversal of the appointment. According to them, the Ooni made a wrong decision not to have appointed someone from Aga Orunto family as the new Obalufe to replace Oba Folorunsho Omisakin, who hailed from Ado, listing ordering for the appointment of Obalufe as – Ajagbusi, Ado Gbodo, Aga and Jaojo. Among others, the protesters demanded that the candidate that was picked after the screening conducted for candidates for the position from the Aga Orunto family be announced. One of the protesters, Prince Oluwasegun Olayade from Aga family, in a chat with newsmen, said: “We are protesting today because my family has been deprived of the Obalufe position that we are entitled to based on the order of the gazette. Four ruling houses are entitled to Obalufe position based on that existing arrangement and there was no disorder until it is our turn now.”

Vanguard