At Thursday’s press briefing, descendants accuse deposed chief of disloyalty and alleged misconduct, insist on loyalty to Owa Obokun
The descendants of Odole Owa of Ilesa, Osun State, have publicly dissociated themselves from the conduct of the deposed Odole Owa, Adebola Orolugbagbe, condemning his alleged disparaging remarks against the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III.
The family also reaffirmed its recognition of High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise as the legitimate Odole Owa of Ilesa, insisting that Orolugbagbe no longer has the authority to parade himself under the title following his removal from office.
The position was made public during a press briefing held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in front of Supreme Model Schools, beside the Odole Chieftaincy House, behind Atakumosa Market, Ilesa.
Addressing the gathering, the Spokesperson of the family Sir Gbenga Babalola-Ojo, JP, said the descendants of Odole Owa, whose ancestry they traced to Logun Edu, a revered warrior progenitor, had resolved to dissociate themselves from Orolugbagbe's alleged conduct.
The family comprises four ruling houses: Nikunogbo, Oduyoodo, Ogboro and Arobiomo.
The press briefing followed a family meeting held on Saturday, October 25, 2026, at which members discussed the dispute and their position on Orolugbagbe's conduct and status. The Thursday briefing served as the public presentation of the family's position.
In the statement, the descendants condemned what they described as Orolugbagbe's unacceptable behaviour and use of offensive language against the Owa Obokun and other individuals who, according to them, had made significant contributions to the development of Ijesaland.
They described his alleged social media utterances as unbecoming of a person who had occupied a revered traditional position, stressing that loyalty, discipline and respect for the customs and traditions of Ijesaland were essential responsibilities of the Odole Owa.
The family also commended Owa Haastrup for what it described as his determination to promote unity and socio-economic development in Ijesaland.
Family explains traditional responsibilities of Odole Owa
Explaining the significance of the Odole Owa title, the family stated that the holder, traditionally known as Ike-Ige Adimula and greeted as Elujiba, has important responsibilities relating to the welfare of the Owa Obokun, palace administration and the preservation of unity within Ilesa and Ijesaland.
According to the statement presented at the briefing, the Odole Owa is expected to demonstrate absolute loyalty and obedience to the reigning monarch while serving as a key member of Agba Ijesa and the Owa's traditional advisory circle.
The family further explained that the office carries responsibilities in community mobilisation, inter-kingdom relations, conflict resolution, land-boundary matters and the mediation of disputes within designated communities.
It cited the dispatch of the current Odole Owa, High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise, to Osogbo during the Osun-Osogbo Festival to perform traditional rites associated with Obokun as an example of the office's ceremonial and diplomatic responsibilities.
Against this background, the family questioned whether Orolugbagbe had adequately discharged the duties attached to the office during his tenure.
It alleged that he engaged in land grabbing, the appropriation of family heritage and disregard for the advice of family elders. These allegations, the family said, contributed to its decision to seek his removal.
Family recounts circumstances surrounding Orolugbagbe's removal
During the briefing, the family also recounted the circumstances surrounding Orolugbagbe's emergence and eventual removal from the position.
According to the statement, Orolugbagbe was presented to the late Owa Obokun, Dr Gabriel Aromolaran II, CFR, LLD, for appointment without the family having adequately investigated his character and background.
The family said it had considered the fact that his late father, Adedeji Orolugbagbe, had contested for the stool on two previous occasions without success.
It subsequently regretted the decision, claiming that Adebola Orolugbagbe had not actively participated in family activities before his introduction and that members were therefore unfamiliar with his character.
The descendants further alleged that, after assuming office, he became inaccessible to family elders and other members and failed to heed advice from those who had supported his candidature.
The statement said these developments prompted members of the family, led by Apostle Odesanmi, to petition a panel established by Owa Haastrup and subsequently present their case for Orolugbagbe's removal to the monarch.
According to the family, the Owa acceded to its request, leading to Orolugbagbe's deposition.
The family stated that High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise was appointed Odole Owa on October 26, 2025, following his presentation by the family.
It maintained that the appointment of an Odole Owa involves consultation with family members and approval by the reigning Owa Obokun through the recognised traditional process.
Consequently, the descendants insisted that Orolugbagbe could no longer legitimately claim the title.
Odole family reaffirms support for Owa Haastrup
Reiterating its position at Thursday's press briefing, the family condemned what it described as a public affront to the customs and traditions of Ijesaland, stressing that the Odole Owa institution must remain a symbol of loyalty, orderliness and service to the Owa Obokun.
It also rejected Orolugbagbe's alleged use of offensive language against Owa Haastrup, describing such conduct as incompatible with the respect traditionally accorded to the throne.
The family declared that High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise remained its recognised Odole Owa and urged members of the public, particularly the people of Ijesaland, to take note of its position.
Among those identified in the statement as regular attendees at family meetings were Apostle Jimoh Odesanmi, High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise, the Aloba of Iloba-Ijesa, Oba Olamilekan Olanrewaju; the Onigun of Igun-Ijesa, Oba Tope Komolafe; and other traditional titleholders and community representatives.
The statement was signed by Apostle Jimoh Odesanmi, the family head, and Sir Gbenga Babalola-Ojo, JP, on behalf of the family members represented at the October 25 meeting.
The family maintained that its declaration reflected its collective position on the dispute and its continued support for the Owa Obokun Adimula and the recognised Odole Owa.
Read full text of the press statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE DESCENDANTS OF ODOLE OWA OF ILESA
Venue: In front of Supreme Model Schools, beside the Odole Chieftaincy House, behind Atakumosa Market, Ilesa.
Addressed by: Sir Gbenga Babalola-Ojo, Head of the Odole Owa Family.
PREAMBLE
We, the descendants of Odole Owa of Ilesa, tracing our ancestry to Logun Edu, our great warrior progenitor, and comprising the four ruling houses of Nikunogbo, Oduyoodo, Ogboro and Arobiomo, wish to unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the unacceptable conduct of the deposed Odole Owa, Mr Adebola Orolugbagbe.
We strongly condemn his alleged disparaging remarks against the revered stool of the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland. Such remarks are reprehensible, unwarranted and inconsistent with the integrity, discipline, respect and knowledge of our culture and traditions expected of a person who once occupied such an exalted traditional position.
We condemn, in unequivocal terms, his alleged reckless statements on social media and his reported use of offensive language against His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
We wish to use this opportunity to appreciate His Imperial Majesty for his determination to promote unity and socio-economic development in Ijesaland, notwithstanding what we consider the unfortunate conduct of a few individuals opposed to the positive changes taking place in our land.
We believe that the emergence of Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III as Owa Obokun of Ijesaland has ushered in renewed hope for the traditional institution and the people of Ijesaland.
ODOLE OWA'S ROLES IN ILESA AND IJESALAND
1. Loyalty and personal service to the Owa Obokun
In Yoruba traditional leadership, the Odole Owa, also known as Ike-Ige Adimula, is traditionally greeted as Elujiba. The title represents a revered high chief whose responsibilities include attending to the welfare of the monarch and ensuring that the monarch's needs are adequately addressed throughout the day and night.
This sacred responsibility demands absolute loyalty, obedience and commitment to His Imperial Majesty at all times.
The Odole Owa is traditionally expected to promote internal cohesion, mobilise the community and sincerely assist the supreme traditional ruler of Ijesaland, the Owa Obokun Adimula, in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Against these expectations, we ask: Was Mr Adebola Orolugbagbe sincere, loyal and obedient in the discharge of these sacred duties?
2. Palace administration and advisory responsibilities
The Odole Owa is a key member of Agba Ijesa and serves as a palace adviser and administrator. As a member of the Owa's traditional advisory circle, the Odole Owa is expected to work closely with the Owa Obokun in managing the socio-economic, political and traditional affairs of Ilesa and Ijesaland.
Unfortunately, we allege that Adebola Orolugbagbe failed to discharge these responsibilities satisfactorily. Rather, he was allegedly involved in the sale of family land, the appropriation of family heritage and actions that undermined our cultural and traditional institutions for personal economic benefit.
We therefore question whether he genuinely fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted to him by the family and the traditional institution.
3. Inter-kingdom relations and royal representation
The Odole Owa also serves as an important royal emissary. One of the responsibilities associated with the office is to maintain relations with other Yoruba kingdoms and communicate significant developments in Ijesaland to relevant stakeholders within the Yoruba nation.
An example of this responsibility was the dispatch of the present Odole Owa, High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise, to Osogbo during the Osun-Osogbo Festival to perform traditional rites associated with Obokun.
This illustrates the ceremonial and diplomatic responsibilities attached to the office and the confidence expected of its occupant.
4. Conflict resolution, orderliness and traditional governance
The Odole Owa is traditionally expected to maintain order, assist in the management of land boundaries and mediate disputes within designated quarters and communities.
These responsibilities derive from the historical significance and authority attached to the office by the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
A traditional expression, “Odole Owa bi oba Ibomirin,” is used to underscore the elevated status of the office in relation to traditional leadership elsewhere.
We therefore ask: Did Adebola Orolugbagbe maintain the orderliness, discipline and integrity expected of an occupant of this revered office?
In our considered opinion, his conduct during his tenure fell short of these sacred responsibilities. We allege that he frequently conducted himself with arrogance towards family members while parading himself under the description of “Royal High Chief” and engaging in actions that, in our view, denigrated the office of the Owa Obokun.
A person whose conduct undermines the family and the traditional institution cannot reasonably expect to retain the confidence and support of the descendants of Odole Owa.
Consequently, the family has rejected his continued claim to the office.
FACTS OF THE CASE
1. Circumstances surrounding his presentation for appointment
The position of Odole Owa is traditionally filled by a person selected from among interested candidates by the family. Loyalty, integrity and good character are essential qualifications considered before a candidate is presented to the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland through the recognised kingmakers for consideration.
We acknowledge that the family did not adequately investigate these qualities before presenting Adebola Orolugbagbe to the late Owa Obokun, Dr Gabriel Aromolaran II, LLD, CFR, for appointment.
We regret this decision, which was partly influenced by our consideration of the fact that his late father, Mr Adedeji Orolugbagbe, had contested for the Odole Owa stool on two previous occasions without success.
Adebola Orolugbagbe had not actively participated in our family activities before his introduction to the family. Consequently, we lacked adequate knowledge of his character and background at the time of his presentation.
2. Our subsequent concerns about his character
For emphasis, we acknowledge that we did not know Adebola Orolugbagbe sufficiently before presenting him for such a noble appointment.
We subsequently became concerned about what we considered his greed, arrogance, lack of discipline, disloyalty and disregard for family values and traditions.
These concerns contributed to our loss of confidence in his ability to continue occupying the Odole Owa stool.
3. Breakdown of relations with family elders
After attaining the Odole Owa stool, Orolugbagbe allegedly became inaccessible to family elders and members generally.
We further allege that he engaged in activities relating to family land that generated serious disagreements and failed to heed advice from members who had supported his candidature.
These developments, which we considered unacceptable, compelled members of the Odole Owa family, led by the family head, Apostle Jimoh Odesanmi, to petition the panel established by His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III.
The family subsequently presented its case for Orolugbagbe's removal to the Owa Obokun.
We are grateful that His Imperial Majesty acceded to our request, following which Orolugbagbe was removed from the Odole Owa position.
4. Appointment of High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise
Following Orolugbagbe's removal, High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise was appointed Odole Owa on October 26, 2025, after being presented by the family.
We reiterate that the appointment of an Odole Owa involves consultation with the family and consideration by the reigning Owa Obokun through the recognised traditional process.
On this basis, we maintain that Adebola Orolugbagbe has no authority to continue parading himself as Odole Owa of Ilesa.
OUR POSITION ON THE OWA OBOKUN AND THE ODOLE OWA STOOL
We strongly condemn what we consider Orolugbagbe's unacceptable conduct and alleged use of offensive language against His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, as well as other individuals who have made significant contributions to our family and the development of Ijesaland.
The Odole Owa family does not condone public conduct that disrespects the customs, traditions and established institutions of Ijesaland.
We consider his alleged actions inconsistent with the values expected of a member of our family and a former occupant of the Odole Owa stool.
We therefore reiterate the following:
We dissociate ourselves from Adebola Orolugbagbe's alleged conduct and reported remarks against the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
We affirm our support for His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, and his efforts to promote unity and socio-economic development in Ijesaland.
We recognise High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise as the Odole Owa appointed following his presentation by the family on October 26, 2025.
We reject Adebola Orolugbagbe's continued claim to the Odole Owa title following his removal from office.
We urge the public, particularly the people of Ijesaland, to respect the position of the Odole Owa family and the traditional process governing the appointment to the stool.
High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise remains our recognised Odole Owa and the person we acknowledge as occupying the position on behalf of the family.
These are our formal submissions to the public, particularly the good people of Ijesaland.
FAMILY ELDERS AND MEMBERS REPRESENTED
The following traditional rulers, chiefs, family elders and members were listed as regular attendees at family meetings and as representatives of members present at the meeting held on Saturday, October 25, 2026:
Baba Adura Jimoh Odesanmi – Head of Family
High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi Alatise – Odole Owa
Oba Olamilekan Olanrewaju – Aloba of Iloba-Ijesa
Oba Tope Komolafe – Onigun of Igun-Ijesa
Chief Idowu Faloju – Moniare Igbogi, Ilesa
Chief Sogo Komolafe – Onilaje of Ilaje
Chief Olamilekan Adesanji – Onimadin of Imadin
Oba J.A.O. Adewoye – Olujana of Ijana Ejioro
Chief Lateef A. Bakare – AjiroOwa of Ijesaland
Chief Olawale Faniyi – Onisoyin of Isonyin
Chief Rotimi Adedeji Oginni – Risa Alaba-Ijesa
Sir Gbenga Babalola-Ojo – JP, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration
Mr Taiwo Adejuyigbe Oginni – Aeronautical Engineer
Oba Banjo Ojoluyi – Oloke Agbon of Oke Agbon
Mr Julius Akanni Ajayi
Mr Oladele Kehinde
Mr Rawlings Oyebayo
Mrs Oluwadare Florence
Mr Awodiya Olabanji
Mr Emmanuel Adeniba
Mrs Faturoti Toyin
Mrs Oladele Florence
Mr Olaosebikan Kehinde
Mr Ojolola Oluwole
Chief Wale Akande
Mrs Ololade Komolafe
Mrs Toyin Oladele
Mr Elijah Olaoye
Mr Ojolola Kola
Mr Oladunni Aluko
Mr Feranmi Okitipi
Mr Oyesile Samuyiwa
Mr Anjorin Biodun
Mr Coker Alaba
Mr Busuyi Aluko
Pastor Olanibi
Alhaji Rasak Ajayi
Mr Ojolola Olumide
The statement further indicated that 32 other family members were represented among those present at the meeting.
Signed:
Apostle Jimoh Odesanmi
Head of the Odole Owa Family
Sir Gbenga Babalola-Ojo, JP
Issued on behalf of the descendants of Odole Owa of Ilesa.
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