Gov Adeleke, Ataoja Osogbo in fresh row over Osun Iyaloja General appointment

A fresh disagreement is emerging between the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, over who has the authority to occupy the position of Iyaloja General of the state.

The dispute followed the monarch’s declaration that the Iyalode of Osogbo, Chief Awawu Asindemade, had been returned to the position she previously held before the Adeleke administration took office.

Oba Oyetunji announced Asindemade’s return during an event captured in a video that circulated widely on Saturday, where he presented her with the royal beads associated with the office.

Asindemade had served as Osun Iyaloja General during the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola before she was replaced in 2023.

The governor subsequently appointed Mary Oyebode as Iyaloja General, making her the recognised occupant of the office under the state government.

Explaining his decision, the Ataoja said he had directed Asindemade to support Adeleke’s re-election bid during the August 15 governorship election and that she complied with the directive.

The monarch said her compliance with the instruction prompted him to restore her to the position, insisting that he possessed the authority to appoint the state’s Iyaloja General.

“I am the only person who can appoint the Iyaloja General. I told her (Asindemade) to stay calm and work for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke and she did,” Oba Oyetunji said while addressing the gathering.

According to the monarch, he was reciprocating Asindemade’s support by restoring her to the position and urged Governor Adeleke to maintain a peaceful relationship with her.

However, Governor Adeleke rejected the monarch’s declaration, insisting through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, that Oyebode remained the legally appointed Iyaloja General of Osun State.

The governor maintained that the power to make such appointments rested with the state government, declaring that any contrary announcement, including one from the Osogbo palace, was invalid.

“Any announcement from any other quarter including the Osogbo Royal Palace is null and void. Mrs Oyebode remains the legally appointed Iyaloja General under the authority of the state government,” the statement read partly.

The governor also urged market associations and womenfolk across the state to ignore any appointment of a new Iyaloja General, noting that Oyebode would continue to enjoy the full support and recognition of the state government in her capacity as the duly appointed occupant of the office.