culture

Owa Obokun Palace Dismisses Odole Claim as False

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2025

Owa Obokun palace dismisses Adebola Orolugbagbe’s claim to the Odole title as false, warning the public against giving him recognition

Owa Obokun palace dismisses Odole claim by Mr Adebola Orolugbagbe, describing his assertion of holding the title of Odole Owa of Ijesaland as false, misleading, and without legitimacy.

Also read: AmalaHangOutWithTolu Unites Nigerians in UK Through Culture

The palace, in a statement signed by the Personal Secretary to the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, John Abe, and made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday in Osogbo, cautioned the public against recognising or extending any privileges to Orolugbagbe under the disputed title.

The clarification followed an earlier statement by the Odole Chieftaincy Family, signed by Olumide Asaolu, which insisted that Orolugbagbe remained the Odole of Ilesa and rejected the installation of Makanjuola Afolabi as the new Odole by the palace.

The family maintained that only the Osun State Government had the authority to remove Orolugbagbe after due process, describing any other installation as unconstitutional and unlawful.

However, the Owa Obokun’s palace dismissed those claims, asserting that based on official records, the last recognised Odole Owa was High Chief Ayinde Oladele Jeje.

It explained that the former Owa, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, had not notified the state government of any completed selection process for Orolugbagbe before his demise.

“We state without any equivocation that the governor will only approve the selection and appointment of an Odole when the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland completes the process and notifies the government,” the statement read.

The palace clarified that the last recognised Odole, High Chief Ayinde Oladele Jeje, was duly confirmed after government notification by Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.

Since no such communication was made regarding Orolugbagbe, his claim, the palace said, “remained unrealistic and delusional.”

“Oba Aromolaran had not notified the state government of the completion of the selection of Mr Adebola Orolugbagbe before his demise, despite the length of the intervening period.

Consequently, Mr Adebola Orolugbagbe remained an ordinary person, as he was unable to vote during the process of selecting Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as Owa Obokun Adimula,” it added.

When contacted, Orolugbagbe offered a brief response to The PUNCH: “Ok. I will call you later on.”

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, ascended the throne on 27 December 2024 after a transparent selection process conducted by kingmakers of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.

Also read: The Efficacy of Bottom up Culture Change explained Through Boiling Water Theory

Since assuming office, Oba Haastrup has established a panel on conduct, chieftaincy matters, and land disputes to strengthen traditional administration and foster harmony in Ijesaland.

Up Next

Owa Obokun Palace Denies Odole’s Claim as Baseless

Don't Miss

Ijebu royal succession guided by Princess Onasanya

theheute

Click to comment

events

Oluna’s Ifa Festival Draws Pasuma, Malaika to Owode Egba

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Oluna Ifa Festival 2026 brought Pasuma, Malaika, Ibrahim Chatta and other celebrities to Owode Egba for a two-day cultural celebration

Owode Egba in Ogun State became a centre of cultural celebration on October 30 and 31, 2026, as the families of High Chief Ayoola Adeyi Olaifa, the Olu Nla, also known as Oluna of Owode Egbaland, hosted a two-day Ifa Festival featuring prominent Fuji musicians, Nollywood personalities and traditional rulers.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The event, tagged Ifa Festival ’26, was organised around the theme of heritage, music and community, bringing together residents, visitors and entertainment personalities for two days of cultural activities and live performances.

The first day of the celebration took place at Olunla Villa, Balogun Quarters, Owode Egba, with Fuji musician Sulaimon Alao Malaika leading the entertainment.

He was joined by Alhaji Saheed Bamidele, popularly known as Ife Arawe, guest artiste Olariiki and Awise Mass Kenny, also known as Eyinju Oganla.

Activities continued on Saturday, October 31, at All Saint School 1, Owode Egba, with a bigger entertainment line-up led by Fuji star Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla.

Other performers included Segun Johnson and T.I Blaze, while Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta was scheduled to make a special appearance.

Yemi Olade and Kukoyi Adedoyin served as masters of ceremonies for the second day’s programme.

The festival also featured a strong traditional and royal presence. Oba Kolawole Arewa Sowemimo, the Gbadewolu 1 and Olu of Owode Egbaland, was named Royal Father of the Day, while Chief Otunba Michael Oluwole Soretire chaired the occasion.

The gathering brought together traditional leadership and contemporary entertainment, highlighting the role of cultural festivals in celebrating community identity and connecting different generations.

With Fuji performances, celebrity appearances and the presence of traditional rulers, Ifa Festival ’26 provided a platform for residents and visitors to celebrate the heritage and communal spirit of Owode Egbaland.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The organisers described the event as an opportunity to celebrate culture, tradition and the identity of the community, placing Owode Egba’s cultural heritage at the centre of the two-day gathering.