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Tension In Osun Council As Ataoja, Oluwo Battle For Seniority

Published

8 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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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
‎
‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.