Indigenes of the Ojo-Ajowa community in Akoko Northwest Local Council of Ondo State have raised the alarm over an alleged move to impose a non-native as the traditional head of the community.

While appealing to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to intervene in the situation, the indigenes said those not entitled to the throne have been contesting the stool of Olojo of Ojo, Ajowa-Akoko, with the natives of the community.

The Baba Eto of Uro kingdom in Ojo-Ajowa community, Jacob Adegoke, while addressing newsmen, yesterday, said Obaro Akila was the first Olojo of Ojo between 1700 and 1777, with administrative arrangements put in place in the settlement referred to as Ojo.

According to him, some people in government have been backing non-natives in the community towards having their way.

He said: “Some people from different areas came to seek refuge in Ojo during the reign of the third Olojo of Ojo, Oba Olaremu Fajuwon, 1778–1838. They were granted asylum and were put in different locations around the seat of power at Aremu.

“Obaro Akila was a great warrior; hence, his settlement attracted people for protection. The Aremu community has been producing Oba since time immemorial.

“Ironically, it is this very spirit of accommodating latitude—this very emblem of expressive hearing—that is now being used by interlopers to contest Ojo space with the indigenes. So many lies are being packaged to justify their claims for joint ownership of Ojo Space, changing stories to justify their imaginary claims.

“With their imaginary supporters in the ministry, documents in the Olojo chieftaincy file were removed. Sudden disappearance of some Ojo documents submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs

“Why should people and the Ministry of Local Government rely on sentiments when facts and evidence are available? We are relying on facts and evidence, not sentiments.

“To all Aremu people, October 17, was a black day in the history of Ojo when a kangaroo declaration was illegally made to snatch away the rights of the indigenous native people of Ojo.”

Also, a prince from the community, Oluwasegun Ojo, said: “The white paper on the Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission Report, which was approved by the Ondo State Government, confirmed the three ruling houses- Awarinajo, Awarin Oji, and Awarin Olofa.”

According to him, when the last Olojo of Ojo departed for the great beyond, the three ruling houses met and selected his daughter as regent in line with their long-ago customs and traditions.