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Reasons Residents Protest and Burn Tyres in Osun Community

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 16th, 2024.

Reasons Residents Protest and Burn Tyres in Osun Community

Tension erupted in Ekosin, an ancient town in the Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, on Sunday morning due to the alleged imposition of a new traditional ruler. Members of the Nyanbilolu Ruling House led the protest by burning tyres in key areas of the town.

The unrest was sparked by the presentation of the staff of office to Kasali Olagunju as the Akosin of Ekosin by the Osun State Government earlier in the week. Residents woke up to the demonstration against what they perceive as an illegitimate appointment.

Last Friday, the Nyanbilolu Royal Family, alongside other ruling houses, publicly opposed the appointment of Kasali Olagunju. Spokesperson Kayode Asa accused the administration of Ademola Adeleke of appointing Olagunju secretly and abusing political power.

The ruling houses insist that the appointment disrespects the rule of law and claim that Olagunju is not a member of any recognized ruling house in Ekosin, labeling him an impostor. They demand the following actions:

1. The immediate withdrawal of the presentation of office instruments to Kasali Olagunju.

2. Respect for the judiciary and allowing the ongoing court process to conclude, as previously promised by the state government.

3. An end to Olagunju’s self-proclamation as Akosin of Ekosin, with no privileges accorded to him until the court resolves the matter.

4. Assurance that no non-member of the Nyanbilolu or any other ruling house will be imposed as Akosin, to prevent setting a bad precedent.

The community remains in turmoil as residents and ruling houses await the state’s response to their demands and the court’s final decision

on the matter.