The Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum has moved to douse growing tension over reports of an alleged division among traditional rulers in Oyo State’s Oke-Ogun axis, insisting that the region’s monarchs remain united despite claims circulating on social media.
The intervention followed reports alleging that some traditional rulers in the area had sacked the chairman of the Oke-Ogun Council of Obas and passed a vote of no confidence on the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Oyebola.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its General Secretary, Doctor Bimpe Aderounmu, the ODCF described the reports as sensational and capable of creating unnecessary tension within the region.
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The socio-cultural body, regarded as an umbrella platform for Oke-Ogun stakeholders at home and in the diaspora, said there was no irreconcilable crisis among the monarchs and urged the public to avoid spreading inflammatory narratives capable of undermining peace in the area.
“The revered traditional rulers of Oke-Ogun are not having any irreconcilable division, as every issue will be responsibly managed through mature dialogue, mutual respect and the enduring spirit of brotherhood that has always defined the traditional institution in Oke-Ogun,” the statement read.
The organisation also cautioned bloggers, commentators and social media users against speculation, warning that misleading reports could distort public perception about the state of affairs among the traditional rulers.
The latest development comes amid heightened interest in the leadership of the Oke-Ogun traditional council following recent controversies surrounding Oba Oyebola’s position as chairman of the council.
Reports earlier this week indicated that some monarchs in the region had questioned his leadership and purportedly issued a communiqué after a meeting held in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area. However, the Aseyin dismissed the move, describing it as politically motivated and lacking legitimacy.
Oba Oyebola maintained that the monarchs behind the meeting lacked the constitutional authority to remove him or pass a vote of no confidence on the leadership of the traditional institution in Oke-Ogun.
The monarch only assumed office as chairman of the Oke-Ogun Council of Traditional Rulers in January after succeeding the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, following a transition endorsed by monarchs across the zone.
At the time, traditional rulers had publicly emphasised unity, inclusiveness and cooperation as key priorities for the region’s development.
Political observers in Oyo State say the dispute, though largely confined to the traditional institution, has attracted public attention because of the strategic role Oke-Ogun plays in the state’s political and socio-economic landscape.
The region, which comprises several local government areas in the northern part of Oyo State, has historically relied on the influence of its traditional rulers to maintain communal stability and coordinate regional advocacy on development issues, including infrastructure, security and economic inclusion.
Against that backdrop, the ODCF warned that attempts to portray the monarchs as deeply divided could weaken ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and attracting development opportunities to the area.
“Our monarchs remain symbols of unity, culture, dignity and stability. Their collective commitment to the peace, progress and development of Oke-Ogun remains unwavering,” the forum stated.
The group also appealed to indigenes of the region, both within Nigeria and abroad, to continue supporting initiatives that promote unity and mutual respect among stakeholders.
Although there has been no official response from the Oyo State Government on the controversy, sources within the traditional institution said consultations were ongoing to ensure the matter does not escalate beyond internal disagreements.
For now, attention remains on whether the affected monarchs will convene a broader reconciliation meeting in the coming days as pressure mounts for a peaceful resolution.
