Ondo Community Rejects Alleged Imposition Of Sepeluwa As Oba In Oroto

Concerned Citizens and Indigenes of Oroto Community, Ugbo Kingdom, Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State have rejected the imposition of Sepeluwa as the title of Oba in Oroto.

The community in a statement by Oluwafemi Awenebi,said Oroto belongs to all the people of the community, and decisions concerning leadership and traditional institutions must reflect fairness, equity, and justice for everyone.

It said: "We, the residents and indigenes of Oroto, are the rightful owners and occupants of this community. The entire community stands united in rejecting any attempt to force Sepeluwa on the people against their collective will as their domain is obenla.

"We call on the Olubo family to stop using the instrument of the state to oppress and silence the voices of Oroto people, Egharegbemi is the Eldest, Leadership should be based on consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for the wishes of the people. For peace and unity to prevail, everybody must be carried along in matters affecting the community.

"Oroto is for all of us, and the collective interest of the people must always come first. The governor should not impose a Sepuluwa on us, protest letters have been written to the governor and the chieftaincy and local government commissioner yet they want to still go ahead to present a staff of office.

"We, the concerned people and indigenes of Oroto Community in Ugbo Kingdom, write this public correspondence with deep pain, concern, and dissatisfaction over the ongoing attempts to impose the title of “SEPELUWA” within our land and traditional structure without due consultation, lawful process, or historical legitimacy.

"It has come to our attention that plans are underway by the Government to install a person under the title of “SEPELUWA” in Oroto Community.

"This development has generated widespread tension, outrage, and serious concern among the peace-loving people of Oroto and the entire Ugbo Kingdom.

"For months, our people have written several letters through the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Obas, as well as through the Office of the Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, seeking clarification, dialogue, and peaceful resolution on this sensitive issue.

"We have made repeated appeals, consultations, peaceful protests, and historical presentations to relevant authorities, yet our concerns have received little or no meaningful response.

"We therefore find it necessary to state clearly and publicly that the people of Oroto reject the imposition of the so-called SEPELUWA title in our community.

"Our position is based on historical facts, ancestral tradition, and the established customary structure of the Ugbo Kingdom. To the best of our historical knowledge and ancestral records, there has never existed a recognized traditional title known as “SEPELUWA” within the traditional institution of the Ugbo Kingdom.

"Furthermore, we strongly maintain that no authority outside the recognized traditional stool of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom possesses the customary right to install traditional leaders or create chieftaincy structures within Ugbo Kingdom.

"Any attempt to bypass established customs and impose unfamiliar titles upon our people amounts to an abuse of traditional processes and a disregard for the historical identity of our kingdom.

"The people of Oroto are law-abiding citizens who believe in peace, justice, and democratic engagement. However, peace can only thrive where there is fairness, consultation, and respect for the rule of law.

"A government that truly serves the people must listen to the voices of the people and not force decisions upon them against their collective will and historical heritage.

"The people of Oroto will continue to defend their ancestral rights, cultural identity, and historical truth through lawful and legitimate means. We refuse to remain silent while our traditions, history, and collective heritage are disregarded."