Adejoke Adeleye Ogun
The Omala of Imala, Oba Moses Adelani Olabode, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to revoke the installation of Segun Ogunsola as the Orunda of Olorunda, and look again at the history of how Olorunda came into existence through the Kesan community under Imala.
The monarch described Ogunsola’s installation as “executive recklessness” and an aberration, given that Ogunsola is not from the Yewa community of Olorunda but from the Agura community.
Residents of Olorunda had previously protested the installation, carrying placards that read “Ogunsola is not from Olorunda”, and “Don’t turn Olorunda into a war zone.”
The Omala of Imala advised the governor to set up a committee to investigate the issue, stating that he was misled and given incorrect information.
“Imala has been in existence for a very long time. The first traditional ruler of Imala was enthroned by the Alafin of Oyo in 1803. If there is anyone who has a contrary history as to whether there has been anyone present in Ogun state before the existence should come forward”.
“Mr Segun Phillip Ogunsola’s father was a first visitor of Kesan/Orile, he requested for place to settle down. Olorunda used to be a place where farmers from Kesan, Orile, used to have meetings every time and when he requested a place to settle down with his family, he was given a land. In Imala, we are very accommodating and peace-loving people; we give visitors land free to build houses, and that our kindness has brought us to where we are today.
Even the people of Egba in Abeokuta were given land by us. When they came and requested for a place to settle, we thought of what we could do, then we concluded to give them under the Rock, and that’s how the name Abeokuta came into existence today.
Recall that residents of the Olorunda community in February had protested against the proposed plan to install Ogunsola as a Monarch in the community.
The protesters were armed with placards of different inscriptions such as: “Ogunsola is not from Olorunda, do not impose an outsider on us”, Do not turn Olorunda into war zone”, There is an existing Baale in Olorunda”, Government should start listening to the poor and powerless on Obaship issue” and many more.
Also speaking at the press conference, a retired Permanent Secretary of the Ogun state Civil Service, Mr Segun Bankole stated that through the installation,the governor was creating a crisis among its subordinates.
He however claimed that the community had written several letters to Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs but no response had been received. The case had also been taken to court and it is still in court. Despite that, the government through the Commissioner for LG and Chieftaincy,Hon Ganiyu Hamzat went ahead to want to install Ogunsola as coronet Oba of Olorunda.
He however asked Governor Aboodun to reconsider the move,while emphasing that the community is known for being accommodating and peace loving therefore it is improper to make an Egba man a monarch in Yewa.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, on phone conversation with newsmen defended the installation, saying that Ogunsola’s name was recommended by the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and submitted to the governor for consent.
However, critics argue that the installation was improper and could lead to crisis in the community.