Akire of Ikire-Ile defends Osun West Monarchs Council, says “No Cause for Alarm”
By KEMI KASUMU
According to him, the meeting should not be misconstrued as an attempt to challenge the authority or leadership of the Osun State Council of Obas, headed by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Olofin Adimula, Arole Oodua, the Ooni of Ife.
The Akirè of Ìkirè-Ilé Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ọba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun Adebamiji, has dismissed concerns over the recent gathering of traditional rulers in Osun West, saying the meeting was neither intended to undermine nor rival the Osun State Council of Obas.
The monarch made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following the gathering of Obas from Osun West at the palace of the Oluwo of Iwo on Sunday, July 19.
According to him, the meeting should not be misconstrued as an attempt to challenge the authority or leadership of the Osun State Council of Obas, headed by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Olofin Adimula, Arole Oodua, the Ooni of Ife.
He said the gathering was not designed to rival or compete with the state council, stressing that the authority and unity of the Osun State Council of Obas remained intact and respected by the traditional rulers.
The Akire explained that similar gatherings had taken place in the past, noting that the first initiative of its kind was organised in 2013 under the leadership of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Omowoniluola Oyeyode Oyesosin II, during the reign of the late Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
He noted that the Oluwo stool was vacant at the time, adding that the recent gathering in Iwo should be viewed in the same spirit of consultation and cooperation.
According to him, the meeting provided an opportunity for traditional rulers in Osun West to consult with one another, strengthen unity and mutual understanding, and promote peace and purposeful development across the region.
The Akire further stressed that virtually all the Obas who attended the meeting were committed to peace, unity and the progress of Osun State.
He described the monarchs as loyal subjects and admirers of the Ooni of Ife, insisting that they remained committed to preserving the sanctity and authority of the Osun State Council of Obas.
“There is, therefore, no cause for alarm. The sanctity, authority, and unity of the Osun State Council of Obas remain firmly intact and deeply respected,” the monarch said.
He urged the public and other stakeholders to view the Osun West Obas’ gathering as a platform for consultation, unity and collective efforts toward peace and development, rather than as a rival traditional institution.
