Osun De-recognises Two Obas As Part II Monarchs, LGDI, Affected Oba Kick

…Alagunbelewo Alleges Political Victimisation, Demands Reasons For Decision

The Osun State Government has de-recognised two traditional rulers, the Alagunbelewo of Agunbelewo, Oba Maruf Adewale Olayiwola Lawal, and the Olu of Irepodun, Oba Adewale Adeniyi Sikiru, as Part II recognised Obas under the state’s Chiefs Law.

The decision, which takes effect from October 23, 2026, was communicated to the Alagunbelewo in a letter dated November 5, 2026, issued from the State Secretariat Complex, Osogbo.

The letter, signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stated that the State Executive Council, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, had approved the de-recognition of the monarch’s stool under the Chiefs Law, Cap. 25, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

According to the letter obtained by CityMirrorNews, the development means that the stool reverts to a minor chieftaincy under Part III of the Chiefs Law, while the rights, privileges and allowances attached to its previous status as a recognised Part II stool cease.

“I am directed to inform you that the State Executive Council ably led by His Excellency Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has approved the de-recognition of your stool as Part II (Recognized) stool under the Chief’s Law (Cap, 25) Laws of Osun State, 2002 with effect from 23rd October, 2026.

“By this de-recognition, your stool now reverts to a Minor Chieftaincy to which Part III of the Chief’s Law applies and consequently, all the rights, privileges and allowances being enjoyed as a recognized Chief will by this development cease”.

The government also stated that arrangements were being made to publish the approval in the state’s official gazette.

“I am to add that arrangement is being made to publish the approval of the de-recognition in the Government Official Gazette”.

Reacting to the development, the Alagunbelewo accused the state government of treating the affected monarchs unfairly, insisting that they were not given any official explanation for the decision.

Speaking through a telephone conversation, the monarch said the affected traditional rulers received letters directing them to vacate their previous status without being told the specific reasons for the action.

“We also just got letters sending us packing without any official reason nor State Executive Council ratification. We demand answers to the reasons why we got treated like that,” he said.

The monarch alleged that their investigations suggested that the decision might have been influenced by political considerations, particularly their perceived sympathy for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He claimed that although the affected monarchs had received financial support from the Accord Party, they were allegedly expected to demonstrate political loyalty to the party.

“The reasons we got when we investigated were that we are pro-APC. We did collect money from the Accord Party, but we were told that we were supposed to be supporting the Accord Party,” he alleged.

Calling on members of the public to intervene, the monarch said the affected traditional rulers deserved to know the offences that informed the government’s decision.

“What we need to know is the reason we were treated without dignity,” he said.

He also appealed to Governor Adeleke not to allow political considerations to influence decisions concerning traditional institutions.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has to be up and doing. He should not allow politics to take over reasoning. We are Part II traditional rulers and should not just be cast out anyhow. We demand to know our offences,” the monarch added.

Similarly, a non governmental Organisation, the Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI) condemned the government’s action, accusing the Adeleke administration of politicising traditional institutions and Yoruba cultural heritage.

The organisation, through its spokesperson, Faith Ayomide Adeniyi, while addressing a press conference in Osogbo, on Friday, expressed concern over the decision, warning that traditional institutions should not become instruments of political manipulation.

“Traditional institutions are deeply rooted in Yoruba history, culture, identity and heritage. They deserve respect, protection and institutional independence, not arbitrary interference by political officeholders,” LGDI said.

The group questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision, insisting that the state government must demonstrate the legal authority, procedural compliance and legitimate grounds for decisions affecting the status of traditional rulers.

Citing Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, LGDI maintained that the right to fair hearing must be respected in matters involving the determination of civil rights and obligations.

It stated: “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. Political authority must never be mistaken for unlimited authority.”

While acknowledging that traditional rulers were not above the law, the organisation insisted that any action affecting their positions must follow established legal procedures without political intimidation or selective application.

LGDI also recalled the controversies surrounding the removal of the Akirun of Ikirun, the Aree of Iree and the Owa of Igbajo in 2022, noting that disputes relating to the affected stools remained before the courts.

It urged the state government to allow the courts to determine the pending cases rather than create fresh controversies involving traditional institutions.

The organisation further cautioned Governor Adeleke against using traditional institutions to settle political, personal or communal differences.

“Traditional institutions must not become casualties of political disagreements, personal interests or community rivalries,” it said.

LGDI called on the government to clarify the circumstances and legal grounds for the de-recognition of the two monarchs and ensure strict adherence to due process.

The group also urged the governor to focus on pressing challenges confronting the state, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, infrastructure and economic development.

“The traditional institution is not the personal property of any governor, political party or government. It belongs to the people, and its preservation is a collective responsibility,” the organisation added.

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Government had yet to publicly respond to the allegations raised by the affected monarch and LGDI.