The Osun State Government has demoted two traditional rulers in Osogbo, the state capital, over their alleged association with members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
Politics Nigeria reports that the affected monarchs are the Alagunbeelewo of Agunbeelewo and the Olu of Irepodun, both of whom have reportedly been downgraded from Part II recognised traditional rulers to minor chieftaincies by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The decision was conveyed in separate letters issued by the Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dated November 5, and signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by Wale Alliyu. The Ataoja of Osogbo was also copied in the correspondence.
Politics Nigeria reports that the letters stated that the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Adeleke on October 23, approved the de-recognition of the two monarchs as Part II recognised traditional rulers.
The letters read, “I am directed to inform you that the State Executive Council ably led by His Excellency Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has approved the de-recognition of your stool as Part II (Recognized) stool under the Chief’s Law (Cap, 25) Laws of Osun State, 2002 with effect from 23rd October, 2026.
“By this de-recognition, your stool now reverts to a Minor Chieftaincy to which Part III of the Chief’s Law applies and consequently, all the rights, privileges and allowances being enjoyed as a recognized Chief will by this development cease.”
Although the government did not state any reason for the decision in the letters, the Alagunbeelewo of Agunbeelewo, Chief Maruf Olayiwola, alleged that their demotion was linked to their relationship with members of the APC rather than the Accord Party, which controls the state government.
Olayiwola said the affected monarchs were not informed of any specific offence before the decision was communicated to them.
He said, “It is unfortunate that till now, no one disclosed our offence but we were told that we are not associating with Accord party and we did not collect money from anyone. We have friends in the APC and cannot deny our relationship with them. I believe that is not enough reason to sack us from the stool.
“Governor Adeleke should not allow some persons to reduce the office of the Governor to that of settling personal grudges for the sake of posterity.”
Meanwhile, a civil society organisation, Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI), has criticised the state government over the decision, describing its handling of the matter as lawless.
The organisation’s spokesperson, Adeniyi Faith, who addressed journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, urged the Adeleke administration not to politicise traditional institutions in the state.
Faith argued that the powers of state governments over traditional institutions must be exercised within the provisions of the law and in accordance with established procedures.
“We wish to remind Governor Adeleke that the power of a state government over traditional institutions is not unlimited. Such powers must be exercised strictly in accordance with the applicable laws, established procedures, principles of natural justice and the constitutional guarantee of fair hearing.
“The government must demonstrate the legal authority, procedural compliance and legitimate grounds for every decision it takes concerning the appointment, suspension or removal of a traditional ruler. Political authority must never be mistaken for unlimited authority.
“We are not suggesting that traditional rulers are above the law or cannot be removed under any circumstances. However, where the law prescribes procedures for such removal, those procedures must be followed without manipulation, political intimidation or selective application.
“Governor Adeleke must understand that traditional rulership is not a toy that he can pick up, throw away or manipulate whenever he feels like doing so. The traditional institution is bigger than any political administration, and its dignity must be preserved beyond the tenure of any governor,” he said.