Tension in Osun as Speaker Allegedly Menaces Traditional Ruler

 

A civil society organization, the Osun Youth Initiative for Good Governance (OYIGG), has demanded the immediate arrest of Honourable Olumide Wale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, following allegations that he issued a death threat against a traditional ruler, the Alasi of Asi, Oba Oyewale Olasunkanmi Isaac (Akorede I).

In a statement signed by its National Convener, Dr. Akande Adeyemi, OYIGG urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and prosecute the Speaker, describing his alleged conduct as "rascality of the highest order."

The call comes after the Alasi of Asi lodged a petition on July 29th with the office of the Inspector-General of Police, following the circulation of a leaked audio recording on social media on July 23rd. In the audio, which is believed to be the Speaker’s voice, Honourable Egbedun is heard threatening the monarch in Yoruba, vowing to imprison him and warning that the traditional ruler may not come out alive if he opposes the Speaker’s political influence in the community.

A notable excerpt from the audio includes:

“I will jail you, I swear. I’ll ensure you rot there. You think being a king gives you power over me? I’ll deal with you, and if you’re not careful, you won’t leave that place alive.”

The comments have sparked widespread condemnation and outrage across Osun State. OYIGG described the threat as a gross violation of democratic principles and a blatant act of intimidation against traditional institutions.

The group also highlighted what it described as a pattern of misconduct by Speaker Egbedun. Earlier this year, he allegedly snubbed the respected Aragbiji of Iragbiji Oba Abdul Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi (Odundun IV), at a public event, an act condemned by senior monarchs. Additional reports cited by OYIGG include accusations of harassment of a senator’s aide in Ilesa and a previous public threat against Hon. Musubai in Odo-Otin, raising serious concerns about Egbedun’s temperament and respect for public office.

The group also emphasized unpleasant statements and accusations of the royal fathers, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Laaroye II, and the Special Adviser, political to governor Adeleke, Alhaji Munuri Raji, that they are thieves selling Osogbo's land.

Dr. Adeyemi stated : No one is above the law. This is not just a personal attack on a royal father but a threat to our democratic and cultural institutions. The speaker must be held accountable for his words and actions.”

He urged the speaker to reflect on his behaviour, warning that power is transient and continued misconduct will damage his political standing and the traditional values of the Osun people.

We therfore call on the chairman of Osun State council of Obas, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) CFR, and his deputies not to allow this matter to be swept under carpet, saying Egbedun has rubbish the royal throne of Osun Obaships and must face the wrath of the law.

"We also call on the Royal Fathers not to allow arrogant politicians like Egbedun to rubbish the respected stool of the throne.

OYIGG reiterated its demand for the Speaker’s impeachment and appealed to security agencies to take swift action in the name of justice and good governance.

The group also warned the Osun State government to refrain from interfering with the matter and cautioned the governor to allow the law to take its full course. “We are aware that the state government is trying to intimidate traditional rulers by threatening them with dethronement,” the group added.