The controversy surrounding the traditional leadership of Koka town has deepened following the installation of Oba Dr Omoniyi Yakubu Adebisi as the new Onikoka-Ogbonse by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun (Laroye II).
Onikoka-Ogbinse who spoke at a press conference in Osogbo following his installation on September 4th, 2026, expressed concern over what he described as negative narratives surrounding his emergence, particularly claims questioning the authority of the Ataoja to install a traditional ruler in Koka.
According to him, assertions that Koka does not belong to Osogbo and that the Ataoja therefore lacks the authority to install a king are historically inaccurate. The newly installed monarch took journalists on a historical journey, arguing that Osogbo was established around 1670, at a time when the present-day Ilase-Ijesa did not exist as a recognised entity. He claimed that the original Ijesa territory at the time included areas such as Osogbo, Ibokun, Ilesa and Ijebu-Jesa, adding that the historical development of the area should be considered in determining the ownership and traditional authority over Koka-Ogbonse.
Oba Adebisi further alleged that around 1850, forces from the present-day Ilase area attempted to invade Ogbonse land but were repelled after the then Ataoja of Osogbo sought military assistance from Ibadan. He said the conflict lasted for about a year and claimed that Ilase did not have a recognised traditional ruler at the time. To strengthen his position, the monarch displayed documents which he said provided historical and official evidence of Osogbo’s claim over Koka.
He consequently dismissed as false the assertion that Koka does not belong to Osogbo, insisting that the historical records available to him support the authority of Osogbo over the area.
Speaking on the reported attack involving his convoy after the installation, Oba Adebisi said his representatives encountered violence while attempting to enter Koka.
When asked about the rumours of the fears among some residents and property owners that his emergence as Onikoka-Ọgbonsẹ could affect ownership of lands and properties previously acquired in the area, Oba Adebisi assured property owners that those who legitimately acquired land or property and possess valid documentation have nothing to fear. He maintained that the installation of a new traditional ruler could not automatically invalidate legally acquired property rights.
Oba Adebisi also said his camp deliberately refrained from retaliating when violence was allegedly used against them, stressing that they chose to pursue legal means of resolving the dispute rather than escalate the situation. He noted that the matter is already before the court and said his decision to pursue legal channels was motivated by the need to prevent loss of lives and injuries.
It should be recalled that his emergence has been strongly challenged by the existing traditional ruler, Oba Amos Operinmade Adejumo, the Onikoka of Koka-Ijesa who had immediately rejected the installation, describing it as unlawful and insisting that the installation of another king on the same territory was contrary to the tradition and could not stand. The development has consequently created a fresh layer of tension around the longstanding traditional and territorial claims involving Koka.
The newly installed Onikoka-Ogbonse, Oba Adebisi subsequently appealed to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to intervene in the controversy and help find a peaceful resolution to the competing claims.
The latest development comes amid increasing calls for authorities and stakeholders to handle the dispute with caution, as the competing claims over the Koka traditional stool continue to generate controversy.
With the historical claims of the newly installed monarch being disputed by the existing Onikoka of Koka-Ijesa and the matter reportedly before the court, attention is now focused on the next steps by the state government and the judiciary in resolving the dispute.
