The Ayegun Gbonmi Town Youth Initiative, in conjunction with the Coalition of Youth Voice Movement of Nigeria (Osun State Chapter), has petitioned Governor Adeleke over what they describe as the “imposition of an unrightful monarch” by the Ataoja of Osogbo.
In a press conference held in Osogbo on Thursday, the concerned youths expressed their dissatisfaction with the Ataoja’s alleged attempts to install a monarch in Ayegun Gbonmi without respect for the community’s traditional laws and customs.
The petition, addressed to the governor and copied to key state officials, states that this imposition would not only undermine their autonomy but also create tension and instability in the community.
The youth groups argue that Ayegun Gbonmi has a long-standing cultural heritage and established traditional governance structure that must be respected. They insist that the right to select their own monarch is a fundamental aspect of their self-determination.
The groups allege that the Ataoja’s choice of monarch is being imposed without the consent of the people, potentially causing conflict and unrest in the community.
They further claim that the Ataoja has financially exploited the situation by collecting money from both their preferred monarch, Ademola Bashiru Kolapo of the Onifade Compound, and another figure, Mr. Maruf Oyegbade, who, according to the petition, lacks support within the community.
“We want Name: Ademola Bashiru Kolapo, Family: Onifade Compound in Ayegun Gbonmi town as our Kabiyesi ooo,” the petition reads.
The petitioners also accuse the Ataoja of engaging in actions that undermine the community’s rights, including allegedly using this dispute to shield himself from accountability for “bad atrocities extended to Ayegun community lands and others.”
The youths have called on the governor to act swiftly to restore their stolen mandate and prevent a possible mass protest in Osun State.
According to them, “We will forever grateful to you if you can restore the peace back to the community in order to avoid a massive protest in Osun State sir. We believe that Your Excellency’s intervention would be a timely and welcome development for our community. We look forward to your prompt attention to this matter and your support in ensuring the continued peace and prosperity of Ayegun Gbonmi.”
The event sparked a wide range of public reactions, with chiefs, community elders, and youth passionately appealing to the Governor Adeleke-led administration to intervene before the imposition escalates into a communal clash.
See copy of the petition below;
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