Osun Assembly Speaker Denies Letter Seeking to Remove Ooni as Permanent Chairman of Obas’ Council
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, has dismissed as false a report alleging that the state legislature had received a letter proposing the removal of the Ooni of Ife as the permanent chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, the Speaker described the report as a fabrication originating from a pseudo Facebook page operating under the name “Ashiwaju Omo Yoruba.” According to the statement, the publication falsely claimed that a letter authorising rotational chairmanship among Osun traditional rulers was awaiting approval by lawmakers.
Egbedun stated unequivocally that no such letter had ever been received, authorised, or discussed by the Osun State House of Assembly or any of its committees, including the Committee on Chieftaincy Matters. He stressed that at no point was the issue of rotating the chairmanship of the Osun Council of Obas contemplated within the Assembly.
“The Office of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly unequivocally dismisses as false and misleading the publication circulated by a pseudo Facebook page operating under the name ‘Ashiwaju Omo Yoruba,’” the statement read. “At no time did the Speaker receive or authorise any letter concerning the rotation of chairmanship among traditional rulers in Osun State, nor was any such matter presented before the House.”
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The Speaker further described the claim as entirely fabricated and inconsistent with the legislative records and activities of the Assembly. He accused the authors of the publication of deliberate mischief, alleging that the report was designed to mislead the public, provoke unnecessary tension, and undermine the credibility of the Osun State House of Assembly.
Egbedun condemned what he described as the irresponsible use of sensitive cultural and traditional issues for ulterior motives, warning that such actions could inflame passions and create avoidable disputes within the state. He reiterated that the Assembly conducts its affairs strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and established legislative procedures.
He urged residents of Osun State and the general public to disregard the publication in its entirety, advising them to rely only on statements issued through the official and verified channels of the Osun State House of Assembly.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of ongoing debates surrounding traditional leadership structures in parts of the South-West. Tensions have remained high following recent developments in neighbouring Oyo State, where the state government introduced a rotational chairmanship for the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Earlier this month, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated a reconstituted Council of Obas and Chiefs, with the chairmanship set to rotate among three prominent traditional rulers. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, emerged as the inaugural chairman for a two-year term. However, the inauguration sparked controversy, particularly due to the absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, from the event.
That development followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, which aimed to strengthen traditional institutions but has also generated debate over hierarchy, seniority, and tradition.
Observers believe that the controversy in Oyo State may have contributed to the spread of speculation and misinformation in Osun State. The Osun Assembly’s swift denial appears aimed at preventing similar disputes and reassuring traditional institutions of the government’s position.
As discussions around the role and structure of traditional councils continue across the region, the Osun State House of Assembly has maintained that no changes are being contemplated regarding the leadership of the Osun Council of Obas.