Adeleke Moves To Resolve Crisis Over Jailed Osun Monarch

The long-running conflict in Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, over the fate of the town’s monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, may soon be settled as the state government has ordered immediate action on the matter.

The Apetu of Ipetumodu was jailed in the United States, sparking heated disputes between princes, kingmakers, and lawmakers over whether he should be removed from the throne. Governor Ademola Adeleke has now directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, to intervene promptly and chart a way forward.

Tensions in the community escalated last week when a meeting of princes and kingmakers nearly broke down into a fight. The princes had demanded that the kingmakers formally write to the governor to declare the stool vacant and begin the process of choosing a new monarch. However, the request was rejected by the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Chief Sunday Adedeji, the most senior surviving kingmaker, triggering sharp disagreements among attendees.

The situation, which has divided the community, has now drawn firm attention from the state government, which is expected to decide on the monarch’s fate in the coming days.

At the weekend’s executive council meeting in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke also reviewed progress in various sectors of the state. He directed ministries to accelerate key projects including the Ilesa dualisation, the Ile-Ife flyover bridge, and the Oke Fia/Lameco flyover bridges, while urging his cabinet not to slow down on service delivery.

The governor also tasked the Ministry of Energy to begin work on implementing the State Electricity Market Law with support from the national regulator. He further charged the Ministry of Science and Innovations to push forward the state’s ICT and Tech Innovation policies and draw a roadmap for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain applications.

On agriculture, Adeleke called for the immediate rollout of the Youth Agripreneurship project across all local governments. He also pressed for quick action on pending sports bills to establish a Sports Commission and Development Fund.

The governor stressed the need for local governments to prepare development plans in line with state priorities and directed agencies to strengthen data gathering on governance. He said the administration’s climate change projects are attracting attention from federal and international partners, which could open doors for funding support.

With the government’s intervention, attention is now on how soon Osun authorities will resolve the crisis surrounding the embattled monarch and restore stability to Ipetumodu.