Residents of in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Epe, Lagos State, yesterday appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to approve Prince Adetomiwa Odutuga as the Oba-elect of the community.

The appeal came during a peaceful protest where residents, including youths, women, and community leaders, expressed support for Odutuga while opposing attempts to install another candidate.

Protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions, warned against external interference that could disrupt the peace of the town. Chief Rasheedat Oladega, the Iyalode of Odo-Iragushi, stressed that the community had chosen Odutuga after consulting the Ifa oracle, adding that multiple protests had been held to prevent actions that might incite unrest.

“We want the Lagos State government to endorse Adetomiwa and crown him as the next Oba of Odo-Iragushi. That is who the people want, and this will ensure that the peace we enjoy in Iragushi is not disturbed,” she said.

Oladega highlighted Odutuga’s contributions to the community, including monthly financial and food support for widows and the elderly, assistance in securing university admissions for youths, the distribution of 200 free JAMB forms, and the provision of two transformers.

Youth leader, Comrade Ahmed Odutayo, popularly known as Olukere, also backed Odutuga, saying: “The youths, women, and elders are behind him. We do not want conflict in Odo-Iragushi over an Obaship tussle. This is our Oba, and we want the government to endorse him for the peace and progress of our town.”

Chief Muftau Adebayo, the Egbo of Odo-Iragushi, affirmed Odutuga’s legitimacy as a bona fide son of the community, adding that his ancestors had significantly contributed to its development. He assured the prince of their full support.

The Odo-Iragushi throne has remained vacant since the death of the former Oba 10 years ago. Prince Adetomiwa Odutuga is the grandson of the late Johnson Adenola Odutuga, a renowned politician.