Five years have passed since the death of Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adewusi, and the community remains without a new monarch. The youth of Ifon, organized under the Ifon Development Youth Forum, have voiced their frustration over the prolonged delay in installing a successor. They staged a peaceful protest, urging the Ondo State Government to expedite the selection of a new Olufon.
Oba Adewusi was killed on November 26, 2020, while returning to Ifon from Akure, where he had attended a meeting. His death created a leadership vacuum that has hampered social, administrative, and traditional activities in the town. Armed with placards, the youth marched through the streets, calling for a new monarch and an end to the community’s stagnation.
Olaniyi Olotu, Public Relations Officer of the Ifon Community Development Association, 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.” Idowu Alegbe, General Secretary of the Youth Forum, added that the protest will continue until the state government intervenes, noting that “since our king joined his ancestors, things have not been working well.”
The protesters are appealing to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to approve the selection of a new Olufon in accordance with the Olufon Chieftaincy declaration. They stress that a traditional ruler is needed to fill the leadership vacuum and restore progress. Princess Aderiike Odogiyan, one of the demonstrators, urged the governor to address their plight, stating, “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, and the youth are determined to maintain their peaceful protest until their demands are met. The Ondo State Government’s response will be crucial in determining the next steps for Ifon. As the community awaits a new traditional ruler, the youth remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that progress will be restored to Ifon.
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