The Council of Baales in Orile-Imo, in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State has rejected the recent installation of Oba Reuben Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo, citing procedural breaches and lack of community involvement.
The community accused the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo of imposing the monarch on them without recourse to the laid down rules
This was contained in communique issued after a meeting held to examine the brewing discontent among members of the community.
Those at the meeting were said to have included the Imo Traditional Council, youth groups, market women, and religious leaders.
The communique signed by over 20 Baales (community leaders) including Chief Durodola Fatai, Kola Jimoh, Ogunjimi Olusoji, and others expressed shock and dismay at the news of Sogaolu’s installation by the Alake of Egbaland without the involvement of community stakeholders.
The community emphasised that the Imo Traditional Council, which plays a pivotal role in the selection process, was not consulted, leading to widespread belief that Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, may have been misinformed about the legitimacy of the recommendation.
The Council of Baales declared that Sogaolu’s appointment is unacceptable, citing a complete breach of the established selection procedures.
