Yewa , Ogun – In a dramatic display of defiance against perceived meddling in their cultural affairs, hundreds of residents from Gbokoto-Isale community in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State took to the streets on Saturday, protesting what they described as a brazen attempt by local government officials to impose a politician as their next traditional ruler.

The peaceful yet fervent demonstration, which drew youths, men, women, and traditional stakeholders, underscored deep-seated tensions over adherence to age-old customs in the selection of the town's monarch.

The protesters, brandishing placards with messages such as "No to Imposition of Outsiders!", "Respect Our Chieftaincy Declaration!", and "Kingmakers' Voice Must Be Heard!", marched through the community's major streets, chanting solidarity songs and invoking ancestral blessings for justice.

Their grievances centered on allegations that Yewa North local government officials have colluded with unnamed politicians to sideline the legitimate council of kingmakers and handpick Tajudeen Olukunle, a son of the late Oba Ganiyu Adegbola Olukunle, as the successor to the throne.

Speaking to journalists amid the throng, Chief Akapo Olugbami, the Asipa of Gbokoto-Isale and a prominent palace chief, lambasted the officials for what he called a flagrant violation of the community's 2000 Chieftaincy Declaration.

"This is not just an illegality; it's an affront to our ancestors and a recipe for chaos," Chief Olugbami declared, his voice rising above the din of drums and chants.

He explained that the declaration explicitly mandates a rotational ascension to the throne among eligible ruling houses, a principle allegedly ignored when officials hastily convened a makeshift panel of seven "warrant chiefs" to endorse Tajudeen Olukunle.

"The kingmakers were never consulted. They bypassed us entirely, favoring political connections over tradition. How can a son succeed his father directly when the rotation demands otherwise? This is a direct desecration of our laws.", he added

Eyewitnesses reported that the protest began at the crack of dawn near the palace grounds and swelled as word spread via community networks.

The controversy traces back to the passing of Oba Ganiyu Adegbola Olukunle earlier this year, which left a vacuum in leadership for the agrarian community known for its rich palm wine trade and historical ties to the broader Yewa ethnic group.

Under Ogun State's chieftaincy framework, such vacancies are typically filled through consultations involving the kingmakers, local government recommendations, and state approval. However, protesters contend that the process has been hijacked by vested interests, potentially sparking a broader crisis in inter-house rivalries.

In a direct appeal broadcast during the rally, community leaders called on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to intervene decisively.

"Your Excellency, we implore you to halt this charade and enforce the Chieftaincy Declaration," read a joint statement from the protesters.

As of press time, officials from Yewa North Local Government had not issued an official response, though sources within the administration hinted at an upcoming clarification.

The incident echoes similar chieftaincy disputes in Ogun State, including recent protests in Olorunda over non-indigene impositions, highlighting ongoing friction between modern governance and indigenous customs.