By Charles Pemu 
Igbokoda – Outrage and protests have gripped the oil-rich Ilaje council area of Ondo State following the alleged assault of the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Odidiomo Afolabi Oladimeji, by a community leader. The incident, reportedly over seating arrangements at a state government function, has sparked widespread condemnation and unrest.
Irate youths, traditionalists, and elderly women took to the streets of Igbokoda, some half-naked, to protest what they described as a profound humiliation of their monarch. Sources close to the incident allege that the community leader bit the monarch’s ear and forcibly removed his crown during the altercation.
Eyewitnesses claim the confrontation began when Oba Afolabi Oladimeji requested the community leader vacate a front-row seat reserved for traditional rulers by the governor’s protocol. The community leader reportedly refused, leading to a heated exchange that escalated into a physical fight, leaving the monarch injured.
“It took the intervention of other monarchs and community leaders to stop the fight,” an eyewitness stated. “The monarch was immediately rushed to a hospital.” Due to the attack, Oba Afolabi Oladimeji, as the chief host, was unable to attend the governor’s road flag-off ceremony.
The incident, which occurred just before Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s event, has plunged the coastal community into a state of pandemonium. Protesters lamented the “sacrilege” committed against their traditional ruler and vowed to place curses on the perpetrator.
While the assaulted monarch could not be reached for comment, an aide, speaking anonymously, confirmed the monarch had politely asked the community leader to move from the front row, intending only to ensure traditional rulers’ views were not obstructed. The aide stated the community leader, however, took offense and began insulting the monarch, escalating the situation.