The Ataoja of Osogbo Land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun (Larooye II), has reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, describing their relationship as cordial and rooted in mutual respect.
The monarch made the clarification on Monday while addressing journalists at a press conference in Osogbo, amid public discussions over his recent remarks concerning the controversial position of Iyaloja-General of Osun State.
Oba Olanipekun stressed that he had never acted with the intention of undermining Governor Adeleke or challenging the authority of the Osun State Government.
According to the Ataoja, the governor has consistently approached him with respect, while he also regards Adeleke as a son and relates with him in the traditional capacity of a father.
The monarch said his actions and decisions as the traditional ruler of Osogbo should not be interpreted as political opposition to the Adeleke administration, insisting that he respects the governor’s position and authority.
He explained that his relationship with Adeleke goes beyond political differences, describing it as one based on mutual understanding and the established relationship between traditional institutions and government.
The clarification comes days after a viral video from the Ataoja’s palace generated controversy over the appointment of the Iyaloja-General of Osun State. In the video, the monarch was reported to have declared Alhaja Awawu Asindemade, the Iyalode of Osogbo and former Iyaloja-General, as the occupant of the position.
The development prompted a response from the Adeleke administration, which maintained that Mrs Mary Oyebode remained the legally recognised Iyaloja-General of the state and that appointments to the position fell within the authority of the state government.
Explaining his position on Monday, however, Oba Olanipekun said his intervention was not intended to contradict the government or create a confrontation with the governor. He said his concern was to prevent disagreement among his subjects and ensure peace within his traditional jurisdiction.
The Ataoja explained that Alhaja Awawu Asindemade had previously served as Iyaloja-General during the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola, while the current administration recognises Mrs Oyebode as the occupant of the office.
He maintained that he respected the position of the present administration, even as he noted that the traditional institution also has responsibilities concerning traditional matters within Osogbo.
According to the monarch, his intervention followed concerns surrounding the proposed visit of the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu, to Osun State and the need to prevent a possible disagreement involving market leaders in Osogbo.
He said the situation involved Mrs Omolara Ilesanmi, Iyaloja Idi-Osun, who he said claimed to have been appointed the new Iyaloja-General, as well as Asindemade, who had previously occupied the position.
Oba Olanipekun said he was concerned about managing the situation peacefully and ensuring that the disagreement did not escalate among market women under his traditional jurisdiction.
The monarch appealed for proper understanding of his comments, stressing that there was no intention to create hostility between the traditional institution and the state government.
He reiterated that peace, mutual respect and cooperation should guide the relationship between traditional rulers and government, particularly in matters affecting the people.
The Ataoja’s latest clarification comes as both the traditional institution and the Osun State Government continue to maintain their respective positions on the Iyaloja-General controversy.
