Five years have passed since the death of Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adewusi, and the community is still without a new monarch. The youth of Ifon, under the Ifon Development Youth Forum, have expressed their frustration over the delay in installing a new traditional ruler. The group protested peacefully, urging the Ondo State Government to expedite the process of selecting a new Olufon.
Oba Adewusi was killed on November 26, 2020, while returning to Ifon from Akure, the state capital, where he had attended a meeting. His death created a leadership vacuum that has hindered social, administrative, and traditional activities in the town. The youth, armed with placards, marched through the streets, calling for a new monarch and an end to the stagnation in the community.
The Ifon Community Development Association’s Public Relations Officer, Olaniyi Olotu, emphasized that the community cannot afford to remain without a traditional ruler. “Ifon has been in a rudderless state for the past five years,” he said. “It is dangerous to keep this kind of populous community without a king.” The General Secretary of the Youth Forum, Idowu Alegbe, maintained that the protest would continue until the state government intervenes, stating that “since our king joined his ancestors, things have not been working well.”
The protesters are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to approve the selection of a new Olufon in line with the Olufon Chieftaincy declaration. They stressed that the community needs a traditional ruler to fill the leadership vacuum and restore progress. One of the protesters, Princess Aderiike Odogiyan, appealed to the governor to address their plight, stating that “we are in darkness. We need a king within the next two to three months.”
The delay in installing a new monarch has raised concerns about the community’s future. The youth are determined to continue their peaceful protest until their demands are met. The Ondo State Government’s response to the situation will be crucial in determining the next steps for the community. As the community awaits a new traditional ruler, the youth remain hopeful that their voices will be heard, and progress will be restored to Ifon.
