The lingering crisis in some communities within Ondo East Local Council of Ondo State took a fresh twist yesterday as farmers and residents disowned two detained traditional rulers, describing them as impostors and self-acclaimed leaders.

The protesters, who stormed Akure, the state capital, claimed that the detained monarchs were no longer recognized as heads of their communities, insisting that their alleged actions had caused unrest in the area.

Their protest followed an earlier demonstration by some farmers who alleged the illegal detention of the monarchs and the forceful takeover of ancestral lands.

Addressing journalists, spokesman of the protesters, Ademola Ajibade, said the traditional rulers were arrested and arraigned for allegedly attacking and injuring a farmer.

He presented a letter from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Bolani Obideyi, and addressed to the Chairman of Ondo East Local Government.

The letter, dated June 27, 2023, titled “Alleged Installation of Olus by the Yangede of Epe”, directed that no further appointment or installation of minor chiefs should be carried out in the area to prevent a breach of peace.

The protesters also presented Baale Agbondin, Chief Olu Faloye, as the legitimate traditional ruler of the community, displaying a certificate confirming his installation by the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom.

Another native, Idowu Akinmoladun, appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene and order a proper investigation into the matter.

“We are not land grabbers. The Ajisafe family has won several court cases affirming ownership of the land. Ojo Ajisafe is a bona fide member of our family, but those parading themselves as monarchs are impostors. We are peace-loving people, and we want justice to prevail,” he said.

In a four-page petition to the governor titled “Dire Need for Intervention in the Prevention of Subversion of Justice,” the protesters, through their attorney, urged the state government to ensure fairness and prevent injustice.

They also submitted a separate letter to the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, seeking his intervention in resolving the dispute. (The Guardian)