Ondo Monarch injured during public brawl
Free -for-all fight broke out on Monday between the traditional ruler of Igbokoda community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Odidiomo Afolabi Oladimeji, the Olu of Igbokoda and a community leader whose identity is yet to be known.
It was gathered that the brawl occurred at Igbokoda before the commencement of the flag-off ceremony of the 27.5km Igbokoda–Okitipupa dualisation road by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
According to Eyewitness account, some invited guests were seated when the traditional Ruler arrived and asked the other man to stand up for him because he was sitting beside another traditional Ruler.
The eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous told newsmen that the other man refused to stand for the traditional Ruler, an action which angered the monarch.
The angry monarch, according to the eyewitness allegedly hit the man with the staff in his hand, which later led to a serious fight.
It was gathered that the monarch was injured as he was bitten by the other man in one of his ears.
Oba Odidiomo Afolabi Oladimeji was said to have left the event to treat himself which made him absent from the event.
All efforts by Roving Reporters to get the reaction of the traditional Ruler were unsuccessful as he did not pick his calls and has not replied to the SMS sent to his Mobile Phone.
However sources close to the traditional Ruler confirmed that there was a fight between the monarch and the other man.
Meanwhile, reactions have been trailing the development on the social media.
A resident known as Omono Ilaje in a statement condemned the development.
Read the statement below
I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment over the recent incident involving Oba Odidi Afolabi, the Olu of Igbokoda, where he engaged in a physical altercation with a man at a public event. This behavior is unacceptable and a gross disservice to the institution of royalty.
The fact that the king descended into the crowd and engaged in fisticuffs, ultimately leading to his ear being bitten off, is a stark reminder of his lack of decorum and discipline. This incident has brought shame not only to the monarch but also to the entire council of Obas and the traditional institution as a whole.
It is essential to note that this issue should be addressed based on its own merit, without any political undertones or biases. The fact that the person involved in the altercation is related to the sitting governor of the state is irrelevant to the matter at hand. We should not allow this incident to be politicized or used to attack the governor or his administration.
Let’s focus on the issue at hand: the behavior of Oba Odidi Afolabi. Given his history of troublesome behavior, including land grabbing and other controversies, it is clear that he has not conducted himself in a manner befitting a king.
I strongly suggest that the council of Obas take immediate action to suspend Oba Odidi Afolabi, the Olu of Igbokoda pending a full investigation into this matter. Furthermore, considering the gravity of this incident and the monarch’s past behavior, I recommend that the state government supports his suspension and possible dethronement.
This incident has set a bad precedent and tarnished the reputation of the traditional institution. It is essential that we take decisive action to restore the dignity and integrity of the institution.
Signed
Omono Ilaje
Source: Roving Reporters
