Ido Osun, Osun State – November 20, 2024 – The unlawful arrest and detention of a prominent Kingmaker in Ido Osun, Osun State, has ignited public outrage and raised concerns over potential interference in the traditional selection process for the Olojudo of Ido Osun stool.
Chief Odeyemi Rasheed Oladepo (Photo Attached), the Otun Balogun of Ido Osun, was allegedly arrested by a team of policemen said to have been sent by their superior.
The arrest took place at about 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in the heart of Ido Osun town, as the kingmaker was taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Osogbo, where he has been detained since.
The Kingmaker, who play a pivotal role in selecting the new Olojudo of Ido Osun, is facing what locals and observers are calling an unconstitutional move to disrupt the selection process. Of the original 12 Kingmakers involved in the process, five have passed away, leaving just 7 members to oversee the important duty. The arrest of a key member has raised alarms about the integrity of the ongoing process.
An eyewitness, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, described the arrest of the Otun Balogun, Chief Odeyemi Rasheed Oladepo, at his office, where he runs a block industry. The eyewitness stated that when questioned by the detained kingmaker about the reason for his arrest, the police gave a “blatant lie” about the allegations. They claimed that a petition had been filed against him (the detained Chief) and one Chief Jimoh Oguntunde Kolawole, the Oluode of Ido Osun, for “disturbing the peace” of the community, an accusation the Kingmakers vehemently deny. Luckily, Chief Jimoh Oguntunde was not picked up by the police as they had no clue of his whereabouts.
“This is a blatant lie. We were informed that baba was arrested due to a petition alleging that he and Chief Jimoh Oguntunde were disturbing the peace of the community, which is false. We urge the police to allow the kingmakers to carry out their traditional duties without interference,” said the eyewitness.
Further details from another source revealed that the arrest was widely seen as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and manipulate the selection process, which is central to the community’s leadership. The source suggested that this action may be intended to favor a particular candidate, undermining the impartiality and fairness of the process.
“This arrest is unconstitutional and unlawful. It is aimed at embarrassing and harassing the kingmakers. The interference is clearly politically motivated, and we call on the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to immediately release the arrested kingmaker and allow the selection process to continue without hindrance,” said the source.
The situation in Ido Osun has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for the Nigerian police to respect the autonomy and traditional institutions of the community. Local leaders, stakeholders, and residents are urging the police to ensure that the selection process for the Olojudo remains fair, transparent, and free from external influence.
As tensions rise in Ido Osun, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between traditional authority and the role of law enforcement in upholding justice, with many now questioning whether the police’s actions are an overreach in a matter that should be left to the community.
The police has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest. However, critics are urging swift action to address the unlawful detention and prevent further disruption to the traditional selection process.
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