By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
The people of Bode-Osi town in Ola-Oluwa Local Government area of Osun State have accused the Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, of allegedly manipulating the process for the selection of the community’s traditional ruler.
The allegation was made during a peaceful protest held at the Osun State Government Secretariat in Osogbo, where indigenes and kingmakers called on the governor to intervene and ensure that the outcome of the selection process is respected.
The protesters urged the governor to officially approve and announce Prince Sabitu Biliaminu Ariyo, whom they said was duly elected by the kingmakers, as the new Oba of Bode-Osi.
They warned that any attempt to impose another candidate on the community would be resisted, appealing to the governor to call his Chief of Staff to order in order to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the town.
Despite the outcome of the selection exercise, which saw Prince Ariyo secure four out of six votes cast by the kingmakers, the official announcement of the new monarch has yet to be made, a development that has generated tension within the community.
Speaking during the protest, the Head of Chiefs in Bode-Osi, High Chief Kareem Muskilu Olayemi, appealed to the governor to approve the choice of the kingmakers without further delay, alleging that attempts were being made to frustrate the outcome of the process.
“We want the governor to help us announce the person we selected. We are also pleading with the Chief of Staff to do the right thing by accepting our choice,” Olayemi said.
Other community leaders and kingmakers insisted that the selection process followed due traditional procedures and reflected the collective will of the people of Bode-Osi.
They therefore urged Adeleke to uphold the outcome of the exercise and officially announce Prince Sabitu Biliaminu Ariyo as the new Oba of Bode-Osi.