Youths in Orile Imo, a community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, have declared their unwavering solidarity with the embattled Asiwaju of Orile Imo, Chief Olalekan Olakunle, who was recently suspended by the Orile Imo Traditional Council.
Addressing journalists at a press conference at Orile Imo, the Olori Odo of Orile Imo General, Chief Jimoh Olorunsogo, insisted that the Coronet Oba of Orile Imo, Oba Reuben Sogaolu, lacks the legal authority to suspend a community chief. He emphasized that the entire youth population of Orile Imo stands firmly with Chief Olakunle, citing his numerous contributions to the development of the community.
“We the youths of Orile Imo stand solidly behind the Asiwaju. We do not want war or crisis, which is why we have convened a meeting of all Baales to urge them to take decisive steps to prevent unrest. We also call on the government to intervene,” Olorunsogo stated.
Flanked by his deputy, Lukman Ogunleye, along with other youth leaders including the Olori Odo of Idofin Odo, Kola Ogunseye, Olorunsogo described members of the Orile Imo Traditional Council as “faceless.” He singled out Chief Isiaq A. Adesanya, the Balogun of Orile Imo, who signed the suspension letter dated August 12, 2025.
The council accused Olakunle of gross misconduct, non-compliance, and refusal to recognize the constituted authority of Orile Imo. However, in his reaction on Tuesday, Chief Olakunle dismissed the suspension, maintaining that he remains the Asiwaju of Orile Imo and Chairman of the Baale-in-Council.
