The indigenes of Imala town in the Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised concerns that Governor Dapo Abiodun was misled regarding the true identity of Phillip Ogunsola, who has been illegally installed as the coronet Oba of the Olorunda community.
During a press conference held at his palace, the traditional ruler of Imala, Oba (Apostle) Adelani Olabode, asserted that the installation of Ogunsola was erroneously conducted by government officials who deceived the Governor into approving it.
The Omola of Imala pointed out that there is a standing order from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, referenced as CHM1/47/T6/246, dated July 2015, which specifically warned Ogunsola against parading himself as a traditional ruler.
The monarch, whose authority encompasses Olorunda and its neighboring villages, disclosed that Ogunsola was among the coronet Obas whose appointments had been revoked by the Ogun State Government.
Accompanied by his chiefs, the royal father explained that Ogunsola received a revocation letter, acknowledged by him, with reference number CHM.2/103/1, dated March 16, 2020. The letter stated, “You are hereby notified that your appointment as Olu of Olorunda has been revoked. Given this, please be advised that the use of the title of Oba and other privileges previously enjoyed by you cease forthwith.”
He clarified that the approved Baale for the Olorunda community, as ratified unanimously by the council of chiefs, is Sabiu Adegbola, emphasizing that Ogunsola’s claim to the title is that of a persona non grata.
Furthermore, the monarch highlighted that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had issued a warning letter (reference number CHM1/47/T6/246), instructing Ogunsola to refrain from presenting himself as Baale or using any symbols of the office.
“It has come to the notice of the State Government that you have been parading yourself as Baale of Olorunda, even to the extent of erecting a signpost,” the warning stated, classifying his actions as violations of the Chiefs Law and relevant circulars.
Despite the documented evidence of Ogunsola’s illegitimacy, the community expressed astonishment that he was installed last Saturday by certain government officials during a private ceremony at his premises.
The Omola of Imala stated that investigations revealed that some individuals within the government had misled the Governor into granting the approval for Ogunsola’s installation, stressing the community’s intention to use media channels to bring this issue to the Governor’s attention.
In light of this, the traditional ruler appealed to the Governor to reconsider and reverse the controversial installation, contending that Ogunsola is not a bonafide son of Olorunda.
“We have found that certain elements, in collusion with Ogunsola and his associates, may have deceived the Governor and concealed the truth about Ogunsola’s identity, who is not a legitimate son of Olorunda,” he remarked.
The community firmly maintains that Ogunsola does not have the right to claim indigene status, as his ancestors were merely visitors who were allocated land to build a house, thereby asserting that he has no rightful claim to the obaship position.
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