Oriontimes Newsroom| October 4, 2026
The Ataoja of Osogbo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun (Larooye II), has clarified his position on the controversy surrounding the Iyaloja General of Osun State, saying his recent statement was misinterpreted and should not be construed as an attempt to challenge the authority of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The clarification came from the state government's reaction to a viral video from the Ataoja's palace which was interpreted as reaffirming Alhaja Awawu Asindemade as Iyaloja-General of Osun State.
However, Oba Olanipekun explained that his statement was not intended to contradict the position of the state government or undermine Governor Adeleke's authority.
According to the monarch, the viral interpretation of his remarks did not accurately reflect what really happened.
The Ataoja further explained that the Iyaloja General of Nigeria Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu had reached out to him in preparation of her visit to Osun State in connection with activities surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s second-term political campaign and had requested that Ataoja to host her.
The monarch explained further that the channel by which the information about the proposed visit of Iyaloja-General of Nigeria was corrected in the said video to avoid internal conflict among his two subjects which involves the Iyaloja Idi-Osun, Mrs Omolara Ilesanmi who claimed she has been appointed as the new iyaloja general ahead of the visit of Chief Mrs Folasade Tinubu and Alhaja Awawu Asindemade the iyalode of Osogbo who was also the iyaloja general during the APC regime but not to against the authority of the state government.
The monarch's clarification therefore puts the controversy in a different perspective, particularly against suggestions that the traditional ruler had deliberately acted against the position of the state government.
The issue has generated public discussion following the government’s reaffirmation of Mrs Oyebode as Iyaloja of Osun State.
While the state government has restated its recognition of Mrs Oyebode in that capacity, the Ataoja’s clarification is that his remarks should not be interpreted as an act of defiance against Governor Adeleke or the government of Osun State.
The monarch also appealed for a proper understanding of his remarks, stressing the importance of preserving peace and maintaining the relationship between traditional institutions and the government.
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