Osun State Government Demotes Two Traditional Rulers Over Alleged APC Ties

The Osun State Government has demoted two traditional rulers in Osogbo, the state capital, over their alleged association with members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The affected monarchs are the Alagunbeelewo of Agunbeelewo and the Olu of Irepodun, who have reportedly been downgraded from Part II recognised traditional rulers to minor chieftaincies by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. This decision was conveyed in separate letters issued by the Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The letters, dated November 5 and signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by Wale Alliyu, stated that the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Adeleke on October 23, approved the de-recognition of the two monarchs as Part II recognised traditional rulers. The Ataoja of Osogbo was also copied in the correspondence. According to the letters, the de-recognition takes effect from October 23, 2026, and the stools now revert to minor chieftaincies under Part III of the Chief's Law.

The Alagunbeelewo of Agunbeelewo, Chief Maruf Olayiwola, alleged that their demotion was linked to their relationship with members of the APC rather than the Accord Party, which controls the state government. Olayiwola said the affected monarchs were not informed of any specific offence before the decision was communicated to them. He expressed concern that Governor Adeleke's administration was allowing personal grudges to influence decisions.

A civil society organisation, Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI), has criticised the state government over the decision, describing its handling of the matter as lawless. The organisation's spokesperson, Adeniyi Faith, urged the Adeleke administration not to politicise traditional institutions in the state. Faith argued that the powers of state governments over traditional institutions must be exercised within the provisions of the law and in accordance with established procedures.

Faith emphasised that the government must demonstrate the legal authority, procedural compliance, and legitimate grounds for every decision it takes concerning the appointment, suspension, or removal of a traditional ruler. The LGDI spokesperson noted that traditional rulership is not a toy that can be manipulated for political gain and that its dignity must be preserved beyond the tenure of any governor.

The demotion of the two traditional rulers has raised concerns about the politicisation of traditional institutions in Osun State. Governor Adeleke's administration has been urged to respect the law and established procedures in its dealings with traditional rulers. The incident has also sparked debate about the limits of state government powers over traditional institutions.

The Osun State Government's decision to demote the two traditional rulers has sparked widespread criticism. Key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and traditional rulers, have called for the government to respect the law and the dignity of traditional institutions.

Key points

• Osun State government demotes two traditional rulers over alleged APC ties.
• Downgraded monarchs are Alagunbeelewo of Agunbeelewo and Olu of Irepodun.
• Civil society organisation criticises government for handling the matter in a lawless manner.