The Council of Baales in Orile-Imo, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, has expressed strong disapproval of the recent installation of Oba Reuben Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo. The council cites procedural violations and a lack of community involvement in the selection process.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Council accused Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, of imposing Sogaolu on the community without adhering to established rules. The communique, which followed a meeting of community leaders, youth groups, market women, and religious figures, was signed by over 20 Baales, including Chief Durodola Fatai, Kola Jimoh, and Ogunjimi Olusoji.
The Baales claim that the Imo Traditional Council, a key body in the selection process, was not consulted. They argue that this oversight might have led Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to be misinformed about the legitimacy of the recommendation.
The communique asserts that the Alake’s unilateral appointment of Sogaolu violates traditional norms, emphasizing that the Alake should act based on recommendations from the Imo Traditional Council. They refer to an August 30, 2023, letter from the Alake instructing collaboration with stakeholders to recommend a suitable candidate, which they say was disregarded.
The Council of Baales believes Sogaolu, who has limited ties to the community, does not meet the criteria for the role, which they argue should be filled by someone well-known, resident, and actively involved in community development.
They warned that the Alake’s actions could provoke unrest in Orile-Imo and vowed to seek legal redress while pursuing all legitimate avenues to address the issue.
In response, Chief Tajudeen Oladeinde, the Amona Baaroyin of Egbaland, defended the installation process. He stated that the nomination of Oba Sogaolu followed proper procedures and was ratified by the Egba Traditional Council before being approved by the Ogun State Government. Oladeinde dismissed the Baales’ claims as baseless and confirmed that the installation adhered to traditional and legal protocols. He also noted ongoing efforts to reconcile differing opinions within the community.
