A dispute has erupted between the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, over the appointment of the Iyaloja General. The disagreement began after Oba Oyetunji declared that Chief Awawu Asindemade had been reinstated to the position she previously held before the Adeleke administration took office. Asindemade had served as Osun Iyaloja General during the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola before being replaced in 2023.
Oba Oyetunji announced Asindemade's return during an event where he presented her with the royal beads associated with the office. The monarch stated that he had directed Asindemade to support Adeleke's re-election bid during the August 15 governorship election and that she complied with the directive. He claimed that her compliance prompted him to restore her to the position, insisting that he possessed the authority to appoint the state's Iyaloja General.
However, Governor Adeleke rejected the monarch's declaration, insisting that Mary 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. Oyebode was appointed by the governor as Iyaloja General, making her the recognised occupant of the office under the state government.
The governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, issued a statement reiterating the governor's position. The statement 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.
The dispute highlights the ongoing power struggle between the governor and the Ataoja of Osogbo. The Ataoja's declaration has sparked controversy, with the governor's administration maintaining that the appointment of the Iyaloja General is a state government prerogative. The development has raised concerns about potential implications for the state's governance and traditional institutions.
The disagreement between the governor and the Ataoja has sparked debate about the limits of traditional authority in the state. While the Ataoja claims to have the authority to appoint the Iyaloja General, the governor's administration insists that the power rests with the state government. The situation remains unresolved, with Oyebode and Asindemade both claiming to be the legitimate Iyaloja General of Osun State.
Key points
- The dispute is centered on who has the authority to appoint the Iyaloja General of Osun State.
- Governor Adeleke and Ataoja of Osogbo have differing views on the matter.
- The disagreement has sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential implications for the state's governance and traditional institutions.
