Wale JAGUN
A traditional group in Igbogbo, the Olombas has protested to the traditional ruler and chiefs in Igbogbo on Tuesday, January 16, 2017, against the removal of Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, whose last duty post was the Special Adviser on Housing.
The traditionalists stormed the Adeboruwa palace in Igbogbo to protest against what they described as removal of their representative who has been taken care of them.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Saheed Alowonle, the Vice Chairman, Association of Igbogbo Traditional Worshippers said that they were shocked at the removal of the former Special Adviser who they described as promoter of culture and tradition.
“It is very shocking that such a representative who has been taken good care of we the traditionalists and others can be removed because of witch hunt” Chief Alowonle protested
He alleged that her removal was a witch hunt by some political leaders and enjoined the traditional ruler and others to intervene in redressing the situation.
They also queried why the government did not replace her with another person from Igbogbo
High Chief Tajudeen Alade Duduyemi Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo who spoke on behalf of the monarch, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo and Chiefs, appreciated the protesters for conducting their affairs peacefully.
“On behalf of our revered kabiyesi, Oba Kasali, chiefs and entire Igbogbo residents, I welcome and thank you for conducting your affairs in peaceful conduct. This shows that we are law abiding and peace loving people” Odofin of Igbogbo stated
He enjoined the protesters not to see the removal as a witch hunt but as a political exercise which can happen at any time.
He stated that Hon. Akinsola’s removal cannot be described as a witch hunt because she was not the only one removed.
On behalf of the kabiyesi, Chief Onasanya pledged that the community will liaise with the political leaders on the request that another person of Igbogbo should be appointed to replace.
Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola was first appointed as a Special Adviser in charge of Arts and Culture in 2015. She was later appointed to as acting Commissioner for Tourism after the sacking of Mr Folarin Coker and in December 2017, deployed to Ministry of Housing as special Adviser before her removal in January 2018 by the Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.
