Olobu Dismisses Publication Issued By ‘Molebi Of Gbobamu’, Reaffirms Traditional Authority

The Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan, JP II, the Olobu of Ilobuland, has dismissed as false, misleading, and inflammatory a publication issued by a group identifying itself as the “Molebi of Gbobamu.”

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olobu, Obey Abdulbasit Adewale, the Palace described the publication as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, incite discord, and undermine the traditional institution of the Olobu.

According to the Palace, the group acknowledged in its publication that the Olobu possesses the lawful traditional authority to install and recognize chiefs in Ilobuland. It argued that having previously accepted the Olobu’s authority in the installation of a former chief, the group cannot now reject the same authority because the monarch exercised his customary powers to remove a chief and appoint a replacement.

The statement maintained that, as the prescribed traditional authority, the Olobu has the customary power to discipline, suspend, remove, or replace any subordinate chief whose conduct is inconsistent with the customs, traditions, and peace of Ilobuland. It added that any attempt to challenge this authority is contrary to long-established traditional practice and an affront to the revered institution of the Olobu.

The Palace also criticized the group’s call for the reinstatement of the removed chief, describing it as an invitation to anarchy and a move capable of disrupting the peace in Gbobamu and across Ilobuland. It stated that those making such demands should be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order.

In addition, the Palace condemned the owners and operators of the media platform that published the statement, accusing them of promoting falsehood, sensationalism, and divisive propaganda instead of upholding professionalism and responsibility.

The Palace reaffirmed the commitment of His Royal Majesty to justice, peace, fairness, and the preservation of the customs and traditions of Ilobuland, stressing that the traditional institution would not be distracted by propaganda or coordinated attempts to undermine its authority.

Those named as inciting the misleading publication were falsely consulted and were unaware of any forms, describing the conduct as an act of impersonation.

The statement urged members of the public to disregard the publication, describing it as a desperate effort by disgruntled individuals to create unnecessary confusion.

It also called on all sons and daughters of Ilobu to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and to continue to respect and support the constituted traditional authority under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan, JP II, the Olobu of Ilobuland.