Ifon Youths Demand Immediate Installation of New Monarch After Five-Year Wait
Young residents of Ifon community in Ondo State have taken to the streets in peaceful protest, expressing deep concerns over the prolonged delay in installing a new traditional ruler for their town. The demonstration comes exactly five years after the passing of their former monarch, Oba Israel Adewusi.
The youth, operating under the banner of Ifon Development Youth Forum, emphasized that the continued absence of a king has significantly hampered the progress and development of their community. They urgently called upon the Ondo State Government to facilitate the immediate selection and installation of a new Olufon of Ifon.
Community Plunged Into Leadership Crisis
Oba Israel Adewusi met his tragic end on November 26, 2020, when he was shot along the Elegbeka axis of the Benin/Owo/Akure highway in Ose Local Council. The monarch was returning to Ifon from an official meeting in Akure, the state capital, when the unfortunate incident occurred.
During the weekend protest, the youth carried placards with various inscriptions that clearly conveyed their frustrations. Messages such as "Five Years After, It's Time for a New Monarch", "Give Us a New King", and "Give Us a Future" dominated the procession as they marched through major streets in the town.
The protesters described their community as being in a state of darkness since 2020 due to the leadership vacuum created by the absence of a traditional ruler. They highlighted that this situation has negatively impacted social, administrative, and traditional activities in Ifon.
Appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa
The youth made a direct appeal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to approve the selection of a new Olufon in strict accordance with the Olufon Chieftaincy Declaration. They stressed that their community could no longer continue without a traditional ruler, emphasizing the urgency of their demand.
Olaniyi Olotu, the Public Relations Officer of Ifon Community Development Association (ICDA), revealed that the protest marked the fifth anniversary of Oba Adewusi's passing. He described Ifon as a large and cosmopolitan community that cannot afford to remain stagnant without leadership.
"Ifon has been in a rudderless state for the past five years", Olotu stated. "It is dangerous to keep this kind of populous community without a king. We call on the state government to expedite action on the selection of the next Olufon."
Judicial Concerns and Continued Protest Threat
The protesters also raised concerns about civil and criminal matters from Ifon being handled in Owo, despite the presence of a functional customary court within their community. This, they argued, represents another consequence of not having a recognized traditional ruler.
Idowu Alegbe, the General Secretary of the Youth Forum, maintained that the peaceful protests would continue until the state government intervenes and addresses their concerns. "Since our king joined his ancestors, things have not been working well. Ifon is empty socially and traditionally", Alegbe explained.
He clarified their position: "We are not supporting any candidate; we just need a king. We will continue this protest peacefully until the governor listens to us."
One of the protesters, Aderiike Odogiyan, emphasized the urgency of their demand, appealing directly to Governor Aiyedatiwa: "We are in darkness. We need a king within the next two to three months." This sentiment reflects the growing impatience among community members who believe the five-year wait has been excessively long.
The protest remained peaceful throughout, with participants demonstrating remarkable discipline while making their grievances known to both local and state authorities.
