Osun Govt Refutes Monarch’s Claims, Defends Decision

Osogbo, Nigeria  —  The Osun State Government has dismissed allegations of bias and illegality made by the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, accusing the monarch of misrepresenting facts and politicizing the issue of kingship succession.

The statement, issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Dosu Babatunde, clarified that Governor Ademola Adeleke has no partisan interest in the matter, contrary to claims made by the traditional ruler.

Addressing the controversy, Mr. Babatunde emphasized the state government’s authority to revisit past decisions when necessary. He explained that the latest action of the State Executive Council was a corrective measure aimed at addressing the previous exclusion of a rightful ruling house from the chieftaincy declaration.

“The State Executive Council merely reversed a past decision that denied a ruling house its rightful place in the chieftaincy system,” the commissioner stated.

He further criticized the Aragbiji for disregarding official protocols and making what he described as unfounded allegations against the governor.

Refuting claims that the governor harbors resentment toward the people of Iragbiji, the statement highlighted the administration’s numerous developmental projects in the town. These include ongoing road construction, the governor’s directive to upgrade tourist sites, and his recent visit to Iragbiji for an SDG-related event.

Providing historical context, Mr. Babatunde referenced a 2010 One-Man Judicial Panel of Inquiry initiated under the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The panel, chaired by Hon. Justice Dr. A.A. Aderibigbe, recommended the inclusion of the Lagbua Family as a ruling house. However, the recommendation was later rejected by the 2013 State Executive Council under unexplained circumstances.

“The Lagbua Family has continuously agitated for redress, and after careful review, the present administration deemed it necessary to uphold justice,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed that its decision was based on the findings of the judicial panel, which established that the Lagbua Family had historically been part of the ruling structure but was unjustly excluded in the 1958 chieftaincy declaration.

To ensure fairness, the government ordered that Lagbua Family  be officially recognized as the fifth ruling house in the Iragbiji rotation system, ensuring that the rights of existing ruling houses remain intact.

The statement concluded with the Osun State Government’s commitment to upholding fairness and equity in all chieftaincy matters, while urging traditional rulers to engage constructively with the government.

Edited and Compiled by Adeleke Mary A |February 6, 2025.