Adeleke and Oyetunji Clash Over Iyaloja General Appointment

A disagreement has emerged between Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Ataoja of Osogbo Oba Jimoh Oyetunji regarding the authority to appoint the Iyaloja General of the state. The conflict began when Oba Oyetunji declared that Chief Awawu Asindemade had been reinstated to her former position, which she held during the tenures of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola before being replaced in 2023.

Oyetunji presented Asindemade with royal beads during a widely circulated event, asserting his authority to appoint the Iyaloja General. He claimed that Asindemade had supported Adeleke’s re-election bid, prompting his decision to restore her.

However, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, rejected this declaration, affirming that Mary Oyebode is the legally appointed Iyaloja General and that any contrary announcement is invalid. Adeleke urged market associations and women in the state to disregard any new appointments, reiterating Oyebode's recognition by the state government.