Olorunda Community Seeks Government Intervention on Imposing Non-Indigene As Monarch
Olorunda Community Seeks Government Intervention on Imposing Non-Indigene As Monarch
The Olorunda community in Ogun State is expressing concerns over an alleged plan to appoint Segun Ogunsola Philip as their monarch, despite him not being a native of the community. This move has sparked widespread concern among residents, who are adamant that Ogunsola’s appointment would be a clear violation of their traditional and cultural heritage.
To express their discontent, residents gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Abeokuta, carrying placards with messages such as “Ogunsola is not from Olorunda” and “Don’t turn Olorunda to war zone.” They are appealing to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun to intervene and maintain peace in the community, emphasizing that Ogunsola’s appointment would lead to unrest and conflict.
Community leaders have repeatedly stated that Ogunsola is from Gbagura land, not Olorunda, and therefore cannot be their ruler. They argue that the community already has an acting Baale, Chief Ashamu Adegbola Agbomabiwo, who is under Omola of Imala land, and that Ogunsola’s appointment would be a clear disregard for their traditional leadership structure.
Interestingly, Ogunsola has been mentioned in other contexts, such as his role as the Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, where he has been credited with improving security in the area.¹ However, his alleged involvement in the Olorunda monarch dispute has raised questions about his suitability for the role.
The matter has been ongoing since 2014 and is currently before the State High Court 4 in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. As the community continues to protest and appeal to the governor, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. One thing is certain, however: the Olorunda community is determined to protect their cultural heritage and traditional leadership structure, and they will not back down without a fight.
