Exponent News Akure
Tension Eases in Igbokoda Following Protest Over Alleged Assault on Monarch
Igbokoda, Ondo State — Calm appears to be returning to the coastal town of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, after days of peaceful protests by various groups over an alleged attack on the town’s traditional ruler, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo.
The protests, which began earlier in the week, followed a reported physical altercation involving the monarch during a state event. Oba Odidiomo was allegedly assaulted during the flag-off of the Okiti-Pupa/Igbokoda Road dualization project, presided over by Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The accused in the incident is believed to be Dayo Aiyedatiwa, an elder brother to the governor.
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In response, women, youths, and traditional worshippers staged demonstrations across key locations in the town. Women dressed in white gathered at the Igbokoda market, chanting and carrying traditional leaves as symbols of protest. They described the incident as an abomination and later moved to the community’s central shrine in the Larada area.
Traditionalists also took to the streets, led by masquerades and priests, performing rituals at major riverbanks surrounding the island town. A sealed building, reportedly linked to the alleged attacker, was marked with traditional symbols.
Efforts to get a direct response from Oba Odidiomo were unsuccessful. Palace aides cited cultural restrictions, stating that the monarch was temporarily barred from making public statements.
Despite the tension, local government officials have urged for calm. Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Oripenaye Maurice, dismissed fears of unrest, saying normalcy has returned. “For now, there is no cause for alarm. The community people, the Kabiyesi and everybody is now living in peace. Things are going on normally,” he told Exponent News via telephone.
Community residents echoed similar sentiments, affirming that the demonstrations were peaceful and that life has since returned to normal.
Meanwhile, the palace has seen a steady influx of visiting traditional rulers from across the region, coming to express solidarity with Oba Odidiomo. Access to the monarch, however, remains restricted to only those dignitaries.
