Igbokoda, Ondo State — Tensions remain high in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, as protests over the alleged assault on Oba Afolabi Odidiomo stretch into a third consecutive day on Thursday.
Women, youths, and traditionalists have taken to the streets in symbolic white garments, condemning chief Dayo Aiyedatiwa—believed to be the elder brother of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa—for allegedly attacking the revered monarch during Monday’s flag-off ceremony for the Okitipupa-Igbokoda Road dualisation.
The protesters’ chants echo through Igbokoda Market and other key locations, while rituals and spiritual supplications at the town’s central shrine underscore the gravity of the incident.
Traditional worshippers and masquerades have also performed cleansing rites along the rivers bordering the island community, with an unidentified ritual object recently spotted floating downstream.
In a strong cultural rebuke, a building associated with the alleged attacker was sealed off with red traditional materials, signaling outright rejection by the community.
Meanwhile, access to the palace remains tightly controlled, with only visiting traditional rulers granted entry.
Palace officials have declined media requests for comment, citing traditional restrictions on the monarch.
Security personnel have been deployed across strategic points to maintain peace, and while the demonstrations remain peaceful, calls for a full investigation and justice for Oba Odidiomo continue to grow.
The Ondo State Government is yet to issue an official response to the escalating situation.
