Adeleke Demotes Two Osun Traditional Rulers Over Political Differences

The Osun State Government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, has downgraded two traditional rulers in Osogbo, withdrawing their recognition as Part II traditional rulers under the state’s chieftaincy law.

The affected monarchs are the Alagunbeelewo of Agunbeelewo, Chief Maruf Olayiwola, and the Olu of Irepodun.

The decision was communicated through separate letters issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dated November 5, 2026.

The letters stated that the State Executive Council, at a meeting presided over by Adeleke on October 23, approved the withdrawal of their recognition as Part II traditional rulers.

Consequently, their stools would revert to minor chieftaincies under Part III of the Chiefs Law of Osun State, 2002. The decision also means they would lose the rights, privileges and allowances attached to their previous recognition.

Although the letters did not specify the reasons for the decision, Olayiwola alleged that the affected monarchs were targeted because of their relationships with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He claimed they had been accused of associating with the opposition party rather than the Accord Party, which is associated with the governor.

Olayiwola denied collecting money from political actors, maintaining that having friends in the APC should not constitute an offence.

He appealed to Adeleke not to allow political disagreements to influence decisions concerning traditional institutions.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Development Initiative, a civil society organisation, criticised the state government’s action and called for strict adherence to the law.

Its spokesperson, Adeniyi Faith, argued that the government must demonstrate the legal authority and procedural compliance behind any decision affecting traditional rulers.

The organisation warned against politicising traditional institutions and urged the government to respect due process and the right to fair hearing.

The development has generated questions about the relationship between political affiliations and the administration of traditional institutions in Osun State.