The Sango-Ota community in Ogun State is facing a potential crisis as tensions rise over the proposed installation of a new Iyaloja by an unauthorised individual.
The situation threatens to disrupt public peace and could result in violent clashes if not addressed promptly.
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A reliable source has revealed to Freelanews that Mr. Gbohun, an Egba indigene who has been parading himself as the traditional ruler of Sango-Ota, Awori land, is preparing to install a new Iyaloja for the town.
This area falls within the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government in Ogun State.
According to the source, this move is likely to spark resistance from the indigenous Ota Awori people, with potentially disastrous consequences for the community.
The brewing tension is a ticking time bomb, and unless the state government takes urgent action, it could escalate beyond control. The crisis is expected to peak tomorrow, Thursday, 4 July 2024, as the planned installation approaches.
Our correspondent confirmed that this information has been circulating on the streets, adding credibility to the claims.
One Sango-Ota youth stated, “We have received credible information that Mr. Gbohun, whom the court has ruled should not parade himself as oba of Sango-Ota, is preparing to install the Iyaloja of Sango-Ota market tomorrow.”
The young man, who preferred to remain anonymous, continued, “We also heard that he has been assured of police protection to carry out these criminal acts. However, we appeal to the government to prevail on the Nigerian police force, Ogun State Command, not to attempt to abet any illegality on our land because it will be vehemently resisted.”
Our correspondent observed small clusters of able-bodied youths gathering on the streets and in corners, apparently discussing the issue and preparing for resistance.
At the time of filing this report, attempts to reach the palace of Baale of Sango-Ota, High Chief Wasiu Akilo, proved abortive, as the provided phone lines did not go through.
Efforts are still being made to reach the Ogun State Commissioner of Police’s Office to address the creeping crisis and prevent it from escalating.
The situation in Sango-Ota is precarious, and the community calls on the state government and relevant authorities to intervene immediately.
Preventing the installation of the new Iyaloja by an unauthorised individual is crucial to maintaining public peace and averting potential violence.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
