Community Storms Ilaro Monarch’s Palace Over Alleged Imposition of Baale

Tension is brewing in Okaran Village, Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State, following an alleged move to upgrade the status of the Baale of the community, Chief Jaiyeola Jimoh Togun, to a Coronet Oba by the Olofin of Ado-Odo, His Royal Majesty Oba Olusola Idris Adebowale Lamidi-Osolo.

In protest, members of the Akapo Royal Family of Okaran Village, led by Elder (Prince) Oluwatoyin Akapo (Family Head), Prince Adebiyi Akapo (Family Secretary) and Princess Temitope Akapo (Family Treasurer), staged a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the palace of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle (Asade Agunloye IV), who also serves as President of the Yewa Traditional Council.

The protesters, wielding placards with inscriptions such as “We Say No to Imposition” and “Save Our Soul, Governor Abiodun”, expressed strong opposition to the alleged plan.

Although Oba Olugbenle was unavoidably absent during the protest, the community submitted a petition through the monarch’s secretary. The petition, signed by the community’s lawyer, Michael Ladipo, Esq., was also sent to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government.

According to the petition, both the Olofin of Ado-Odo and Chief Jaiyeola Togun are defendants in a pending lawsuit filed by the Akapo Royal Family, challenging Togun’s claim to the Baaleship. The petitioners argued that it would be prejudicial to proceed with the proposed upgrade while the matter remains before the court.

The community further alleged that the embattled Baale has been threatening residents with violence by bringing mercenaries and suspected land grabbers into Okaran to intimidate inhabitants.

The petition urged Governor Abiodun and Oba Olugbenle to intervene urgently to prevent the situation from degenerating into chaos.