The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, for allegedly installing himself as the Olujare of Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area without following due legal processes.
Commissioner of Police, Olutokunbo Afolabi, who confirmed the arrest in a statement, revealed that four other individuals involved in the ceremony were also taken into custody.
The arrest, he said, was ordered by the state government to forestall a potential breakdown of law and order in the community.
“The installation was carried out without approval from either the local government or the state government,” Afolabi said. “Such actions are unlawful and pose a threat to peace in the area.”
He explained that the police intervention became necessary to maintain stability, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The development has stirred controversy within the Ijare community, where several kingmakers and royal families have publicly rejected the installation. They allege that proper selection procedures were not followed and that they were excluded from the process.
“We were neither consulted nor involved in the selection, which violates the traditional procedures laid down by law,” a prominent member of the ruling house, who preferred anonymity, told reporters.
The Olujare stool, which holds first-class status in Ondo State, has remained vacant since the passing of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun, Kokotiri II, four years ago.
Police say investigations are ongoing and have assured residents of their commitment to ensuring peace and respect for traditional institutions.
