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Tension In Osun Council As Ataoja, Oluwo Battle For Seniority

Published

3 months ago

September 20, 2025

A supremacy battle is threatening to unsettle the Osun State Council of Obas as the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, are locked in a bitter row over who occupies the fourth position in the hierarchy of monarchs in the state.

Beyond the palaces, the tussle has spilt into the digital space, with supporters of both monarchs taking to social media to defend the honour of their rulers.

Ataoja’s loyalists argue that Osogbo’s historic role as the state capital confers a higher ranking, insisting that the stool of the Ataoja should not be relegated.

On the other hand, Oluwo’s supporters counter that the Iwo throne predates Osogbo and carries greater ancestral weight. The exchanges have often turned heated, with sharp words traded, heightening public tension.

The latest round of the dispute erupted when Ataoja, during a lecture at Osun State University to mark his 15th coronation anniversary, revisited the long-standing controversy by insisting that his stool historically occupies the fourth position in the Council—a status he alleged was wrongly ceded to the Oluwo during the reign of his predecessor, Oba Iyiola Matanmi III.

Oba Oyetunji narrated how the confusion began, stressing that he was not fighting any monarch but merely asserting the historical rights of his stool.

He said, “Late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale, during his reign, went abroad, and before he came back, his position was given to the Oluwo of Iwoland. That was how Oluwo became number four in the hierarchy. That position is for Ataoja.

“When I spoke about it some time ago, people twisted my words, and that was why I kept silent. However, I have been working underground. I am not fighting any monarch, but Ataoja’s stool is number four in Osun State.”

The Ataoja also recalled an encounter with the Oba of Ila Orangun, who questioned him over his reported claim that the Oluwo ranked below him.

Oba Oyetunji explained that his remarks were misconstrued.

“When I got to Ila Orangun, he asked why I started fighting for a monarch’s position a few days after my ascension. I told him I did not know anything about that.

“He said I was quoted as saying I am the fourth monarch in ranking, while Oluwo is fifth. I explained that Oluwo and I were not fighting, but my predecessors had always occupied the fourth seat,” the monarch explained.

Despite his clarifications, Oba Oyetunji admitted that the issue continued to haunt him.

He said, “Since then, I have been silent on this issue because I do not know a way out, but I have been doing my work quietly. No matter how long you cook, the flame will go out. I am not fighting any monarch, but Ataoja’s stool is fourth in ranking in Osun State.”

Reacting to Ataoja’s fresh remarks, Oluwo fired back through his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, accusing Oba Oyetunji of attempting to distort history.

He urged Ataoja to seek accurate historical knowledge from respected elders of Osogbo rather than distort the hierarchy of Yoruba traditional stools.

“The good people of Iwoland are not unaware of a video circulating on social media, reportedly made by the Ataoja of Osogbo, contesting stool hierarchy.

“Personally, I watched with disappointment but no dismay. This clarification becomes necessary to protect the ancient stool of Oluwo and prevent distortion of Yoruba history.”

Oba Akanbi maintained that the Oluwo’s crown flows directly from Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, dismissing Ataoja’s claim of deriving his crown from Ipole as recent and politically influenced.

He said, “As far as we know, Ataoja was a Baale until 1948. Ataoja’s crown was of recent origin, along with some others, when the then military governor, David Jemibewon, decreed them into existence in 1976. Oluwo’s beaded crown is ageless and from the pristine source—undiluted and authentic.”

Oluwo also reminded Ataoja of their earlier clash at the Council, insisting that the episode was a demonstration of where true seniority lies.

The Ataoja’s secretary, Bello Oyewale, in a statement posted on social media, stressed that when Osun was carved out of old Oyo State in 1992, the Ataoja was recognised as fourth in the Council, with Oluwo following behind.

He listed other monarchs such as the Timi of Ede, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, and the Akinrun of Ikirun as part of the vice-chairmanship cadre, maintaining that Ataoja’s stool was historically elevated as monarch of the state capital.

Sources confirmed that both monarchs clashed at a Council of Obas meeting recently when the absence of the Ooni of Ife, the Orangun of Ila, and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland left Ataoja as the most senior monarch present.

They said Ataoja presided over the meeting until Oluwo arrived.

“Ataoja acknowledged Oluwo’s presence and continued with the meeting. Oluwo expected to be invited to preside immediately, but Oba Oyetunji didn’t do that. Oba Akanbi felt disrespected and protested.

“The meeting was disrupted, and it took the intervention of other royal fathers to restore order. The matter was later settled by the Ooni at the following month’s meeting,” they recounted.

But the Iwo Board of Trustees rejected the explanation and called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to compel Ataoja to apologise.

Its statement read, “The truth is that Ataoja’s crown was of recent origin. Oluwo’s beaded crown is ageless. No doubt, the misuse of political power is a common phenomenon in Nigeria, as it often seeks to distort authentic historical facts.

“The relative peace in Osun State must not be disturbed. We therefore call on the Governor to direct the Ataoja, with due respect, to recant the provocative statement and apologise to Oluwo and the Council of Obas.”

The Asiwaju of Osogbo, Justice Moshood Adeigbe (retd.), appealed for restraint and urged reconciliation among the monarchs.
(PUNCH)

Related Topics:Ataoja of Osogbo Oluwo Oluwo of Iwo

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Eating Takeout Food Often May Increase Heart Disease Risk — Study

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Research suggests that higher takeout food consumption may increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, like heart disease.

In a new study, published in Food Science & Nutrition, researchers said eating takeout food too often can influence systemic inflammation that underlies much cardiovascular disease.

The study of over eight thousand people in the 2009 to 2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that those who eat greater amounts of takeout food are likely to have various elevated risk factors for heart disease.

They were interviewed in their homes and also visited a mobile examination centre, where they recalled their food intake, received cardiometabolic health assessments, and had blood collected.

Mammograms may predict heart disease risk in women — Study

The researchers found a correlation between the amount of takeout food a person consumes and their likelihood of developing chronic low-level inflammation, a key driver of cardiovascular pathology.

Deaths from cardiovascular disease and the consumption of takeout foods are both on the rise, and while that does not prove a causal relationship, the study explores whether there is a connection between the two.

The study tracked degrees of systemic inflammation according to the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), a scale that quantifies the risk of inflammation related to the intake of specific dietary substances.

The three major takeaways from the analysis included that a higher level of takeout food consumption corresponded to an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile consisting of lower HDL, as well as higher triglycerides, fasting glucose, serum insulin, and insulin resistance.

Jayne Morgan, MD, cardiologist and Vice President of Medical Affairs in a reaction, who was not involved in the study, explained that “Takeout food raises the cardiovascular risk not because of one ingredient, but because of a predictable combination of nutrients, additives, and preparation methods that adversely affect blood pressure, lipids, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and endothelial function.”

“This includes excess sodium that increases blood volume and blood vessel stiffness, and unhealthy fats, usually saturated fats or trans fats, that increase cholesterol level and atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attack and stroke.”

Michelle Routhenstein, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at Entirely Nourished, also not involved in this study, declared, “It is also important to recognise that frequent takeout use often reflects broader lifestyle pressures such as demanding schedules, limited access to cooking resources, irregular meals, and disrupted sleep, all of which can quietly compound cardiovascular risk.”

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How To Identify Fake Kiss Condoms In Circulation

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently warned Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Kiss brand condoms in major markets across the country.

Contents
Original DKT Kiss condoms
Fake Kiss condoms

In a public alert published on its website recently and referenced as Public Alert No. 042/2025, the agency said the warning followed information received from DKT International Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation involved in contraceptive social marketing and HIV/AIDS prevention.

NAFDAC stated, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is notifying the public about the sale and distribution of fake Kiss condoms in various Nigerian markets.

“The information was received from the MAH-DKT International Nigeria, a leading non-governmental organisation focused on contraceptive social marketing. Its mission is to provide Nigerians with affordable and safe options for family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.

“The fake Kiss condoms have been reported to be found in Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and various markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and others.”

Kiss condom is a brand of male latex condoms designed to offer sexual protection, including the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

To help consumers avoid counterfeit products, NAFDAC outlined key differences between original and fake Kiss condoms.

Original DKT Kiss condoms
The original product comes in a light red box pack with clear instructions printed on the lower part of the pack, including single-use warnings and storage and caution information. The box contains detailed medical device information, including MDSS GmbH, Germany, and a complete Nigerian address at Isolo Industrial Layout, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

The condom pack is light red, with the word “Kiss” closely written on six lines. The wallet outer pack is lighter red, carries the Oshodi-Apapa address, manufacturer details, and a clear product description beside the condom image. The hidden flap includes revision dates, medical device details, and caution information, while the wallet inner contains detailed instructions and eight bullet points under important notes.

The original condom is large, oval-shaped, well-lubricated, and has a large teat end for semen collection.

Fake Kiss condoms
In contrast, fake Kiss condoms come in darker-coloured box packs with little or no additional information. Some boxes are plain white inside and lack condom images. The address is wrongly listed as 42, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, while the manufacturer’s address is incomplete or missing. Storage and caution information is absent.

The condom pack is darker, with “Kiss” loosely written on five lines and wide spacing. The condom strip is longer than the original. The wallet outer pack is also darker red, carries incorrect or missing addresses, lacks colour wave designs, and shows inconsistencies in barcode lines. Medical device and caution information are missing, and the hidden flap contains no details.

Inside the wallet, information is summarised with only six bullet points. The fake condom is thinner, round-shaped, less lubricated, and has a smaller teat end.
(TRIBUNE)

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Lagos: Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers On Lekki-Epe Expressway

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Fourteen persons suspected to be involved in traffic-related robbery have been arrested at various points along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos over the past two weeks.

The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, via a post on her official X handle, @AbimbolaShotayo.

According to her, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Squad based in Elemoro carried out the operations that led to the suspects’ apprehension.

She explained that the arrests followed sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing criminal activities associated with traffic congestion and improving the safety of motorists and other road users along the busy corridor.

Adebisi noted that the development reflects the Command’s determination to strengthen security and uphold law and order on the Lekki-Epe axis, adding that the Tactical Squad has continued to proactively identify crime-prone areas and respond swiftly to threats posed by criminal elements.

She called on residents and commuters to support police efforts by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing and detecting crime.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Members of the public are encouraged to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station,” she said.

The police spokesperson further reassured residents and road users of the Command’s commitment to maintaining aggressive patrols and security operations to protect lives and property in the area.

She reiterated the Command’s community policing message, “See Something, Say Something,” stressing the importance of cooperation between the police and the public in sustaining peace and security.