Drama in Ondo: Man Arrested for Illegally Declaring Himself Olujare of Ijare
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, for allegedly installing himself as the Olujare of Ijare, a traditional ruler in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State — without following the proper process.
According to reports, Aladeseyi carried out the secret installation ceremony at night. He was arrested on Wednesday, May 7, along with four others who were involved in the act.
Their arrest came after serious protests from some kingmakers and members of the royal family, who claimed they were left out of the selection process. They also said that the installation was not done according to the law. The Olujare throne — which is a top traditional position — has been empty for four years, since the passing of the late Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun.
Confirming the arrests, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, gave the order to arrest Aladeseyi and the others to stop any possible crisis in the town.
“The installation was neither sanctioned by the local authorities nor approved by the state government,” Ayanlade said, adding that this made the act illegal.
He also confirmed that the suspects have been taken to court, as required by the law. This situation highlights just how sensitive traditional leadership matters can be — and the importance of following the right legal steps when choosing a new king in Nigeria.
