The governor calls the move “null and void” and insists that only he can appoint the head of Osun’s markets, setting up a possible showdown.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has rejected the Ataoja of Osogbo’s decision to bring back a former Iyaloja General. The row could turn into a power struggle over who appoints the head of the state’s markets.

It began on Saturday, when a video went viral. In it, the Ataoja, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, declared that Chief Awawu Asindemade, the Iyalode of Osogbo, was back as Iyaloja General of Osun State. He spoke in Yoruba and said only he can make that appointment.

Asindemade held the post under former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola. However, Adeleke replaced her in 2023 with Mrs Mary Oyebode. Since then, Asindemade has stayed away from the Adeleke government and has mostly appeared at events of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Ataoja said he told her to stay calm and work for Adeleke’s re-election in the August 15 governorship poll. She did, he said, so he returned the royal beads of the office to her. He added that he wants the governor to be at peace with her.

Adeleke replied the same day in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. He said Oyebode remains the Iyaloja General. He also said the power to make such appointments belongs only to the state governor.

According to the statement, any announcement from another quarter, including the Osogbo Royal Palace, is “null and void.”

In addition, the governor told market associations and women across the state to ignore any new appointment. He said Oyebode keeps the full support and recognition of the state government as the lawful holder of the office.

Finally, he urged institutions and individuals to respect the law and their roles under it. He asked them to avoid any action that could disturb the peace of the state.