Tension has engulfed the coastal town of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, following widespread protests over the alleged physical assault on the town’s traditional ruler, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo.
For the third consecutive day, residents—comprising women, youths, and traditional worshippers—have taken to the streets, demanding justice for the monarch. The protest stems from an incident that allegedly occurred during the official flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Okitipupa-Igbokoda Road on Monday.
Protesters allege that Dayo Aiyedatiwa, said to be the elder brother of Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, physically attacked the monarch during the event. The incident has since sparked outrage in the community, drawing cultural and spiritual condemnation.
Dressed in symbolic white attire and carrying traditional leaves, protesting women stormed the Igbokoda Market and other key locations in the town. They sang songs of denunciation, declaring that the gods of the land had been desecrated. The women later converged at the central shrine in the Larada area to perform spiritual rites.
“This is not just an insult to our Kabiyesi; it is an abomination against our land,” one of the protesting women said. “The gods will speak.”
Traditional worshippers, led by masquerades, also took to the streets in a ritual procession. They were seen performing rites at key spiritual sites, including the banks of the two major rivers surrounding the island community. On Thursday morning, residents reported the appearance of an unidentified ritual object floating on one of the rivers.
In a dramatic move, a building linked to the alleged assailant was sealed using red traditional fabrics—a cultural symbol of rejection and spiritual quarantine.
Efforts by journalists to obtain a comment from Oba Odidiomo were unsuccessful. Palace guards and community youths stationed at the palace gates said the monarch was under traditional restriction and not permitted to speak.
“Kabiyesi was bitten by a mad dog and he cannot speak now,” a palace guard remarked. “We know the owners of the dog and their sponsors in the media. The truth will prevail. Our king is wise and respected; they will soon hear from God.”
As the protests gain momentum, traditional rulers from across and beyond the local government area have visited the palace in a show of solidarity. Sources confirm that only visiting monarchs are being granted access in line with customary protocols.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ondo State Government has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. However, security operatives have been deployed to strategic locations within the town to ensure calm. The protests, though emotionally charged, have remained peaceful.
Meanwhile, public calls for an impartial investigation and justice for the revered monarch continue to grow louder. Residents remain on high alert as they await official action from the state authorities.
