Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been called upon to reinstate three suspended monarchs in the state and to refrain from playing politics with Yoruba traditions. The appeal came from the World Institute of Peace, a civil society group based in Osun.
Upon his inauguration in November 2022, Governor Ademola Adeleke signed an Executive Order halting the installation of the Owa of Igbajo, Akirun of Ikirun, and Aree of Iree. These three monarchs were appointed by his predecessor, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, towards the end of his administration.
The Adeleke administration claims that the installation of these monarchs did not follow proper due process. However, the World Institute of Peace, in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Lamina Omotoyosi, argued that the governor was misplacing his duty.
Omotoyosi stressed that it is the judiciary’s role to nullify the installation process of a king. He pointed out that there have been numerous cases of kingship tussles in court even before Adeleke assumed office, including that of the Timi of Ede, who has been on the throne for 15 years, and the Ataoja of Osogbo. Previous governors of the state have never dethroned or suspended a king due to issues with the installation process.
“Adeleke should learn from history and let the judiciary decide,” said Omotoyosi. “The governor ought to appeal to the aggrieved parties in the affected communities to allow court processes and strengthen security apparatus in those areas. He should also issue warnings to anyone who may attempt to cause trouble. Adeleke’s display of executive power in this matter can only be described as a sentiment.”
The Executive Director also emphasized that the kings were installed within the context of the former governor’s constitutional right and urged Adeleke to stop using Yoruba tradition as a political tool.
“The governor should allow for the reinstatement of the concerned monarchs. Nonetheless, it is highly ridiculous for the Osun State government, the cradle of Yoruba land, to interfere with the structure of its traditional rulers,” added Omotoyosi.
It remains to be seen whether Governor Adeleke will heed the call to reinstate the suspended monarchs or if the matter will be decided by the judiciary.
