Hundreds of youths in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a peaceful protest on Monday to oppose what they described as an illegal attempt to impose a regent in Omifon town.
The protesters, drawn from various communities, marched through the streets carrying placards with messages such as “Regents are appointed by chieftaincy declaration, not in mosques” and “Ondo State Police, remain neutral.”
The controversy follows the death of the Omifon monarch, Alhaji Yusuf Adesina, in November 2025, and disputes over who should temporarily oversee the community until a new Olọja is appointed.
Kolawole Ademusuru, the spokesperson for the youths, said the demonstration was aimed at correcting what he called “misleading information” circulated by individuals seeking to disrupt peace in the area.
“In line with Odigbo town’s long-standing customs, the monarch of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, is mandated to appoint a regent pending the selection of a new Olọja,” Ademusuru said. “Some groups recently held a gathering in a mosque and attempted to appoint a regent outside these customs. This is unacceptable.”
The youths also appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene and ensure that traditional practices are respected.
Addressing the crowd, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Adegoroye, urged calm and warned that anyone parading themselves as the regent would face arrest. He commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and reiterated the importance of adhering to community traditions.
“I commend you for your peaceful demonstration. I have instructed that no one should continue claiming the regency illegally,” Adegoroye said. “We must follow the traditions of our communities.”
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