The Ido-Osun Youth Forum (I.Y.F) has raised serious concerns over the recent arrest of Chief Rasheed Ọdẹ́yẹmÃ, the Ọtun Balógun of Ido-Osun, amidst the ongoing kingship dispute in the town.
In a press statement issued by the group, and made available to FACTUAL NAIJA NEWS today, the youths called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the immediate release of the detained kingmaker and protect the rights of all individuals involved.
The I.Y.F. has also appealed to the Osun State Government to intervene and prevent the police from taking sides or harassing traditional authorities.
The group warned against any plans to appoint a warrant chief in Ido-Osun, stating that the town has an established traditional process for selecting its monarch, as outlined in the 1955 declaration of the kingdom.
“The government of Osun State should refrain from interfering in the Olojudo Alayemore of Ido-Osun Kingdom selection process, which is the sole responsibility of the Ido-Osun kingmakers,” the statement emphasised.
Youths Demand Justice and Fairness
As part of their call for justice, the Ido-Osun Youth Forum outlined four key demands:
Immediate Release of Chief Rasheed Ọdẹ́yẹmÃ: The group condemned the arrest and called for an end to the harassment of kingmakers.
Unbiased Investigation: They urged a fair and transparent inquiry into the kingship tussle.
Protection of Rights: The forum stressed the need to safeguard the rights of all parties involved in the dispute.
Government Intervention: They called on the Osun State Government to ensure the police act professionally and do not escalate tensions.
Call for Peace and Traditional Integrity
The youth forum urged all stakeholders to respect the traditional procedures for selecting a king and maintain peace within the community. “We want to make it clear that Ido-Osun is an ancient kingdom with a clear traditional procedure for selecting a king. Any attempts to interfere with this process will be met with resistance from the youths of the town,” the statement warned.
Signed by the President of the Ido-Osun Youth Forum, Prince (Comr.) Adeyẹye Abass, and the General Secretary, Mr Akano Kamorudeen, the statement affirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring fairness and justice throughout the ongoing selection process.
The Ido-Osun Youth Forum promised to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for the protection of their town’s traditions and the rights of all involved in the kingship dispute.
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