Osogbo royal family petitions Gov Adeleke over elevation of three Oba

The Ataoja Fabode Royal Family of Osogbo has petitioned the Osun State Government over the elevation and recognition of three traditional title holders in Ibokun Local Government Area as Oba, alleging territorial and customary jurisdictional concerns.

The family, through its solicitor, Abdulfatai Abdulsalam, urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to suspend the recognition of Moruf Sulaimon, the Olu of Odu; Blessing Olasunkanmi, the Olu of Boredun; and Sulaimon Agbaje, the Olomu of Omu, pending an investigation into their elevations.

A copy of the petition was made available to journalists by Abdulsalam on Saturday in Osogbo, where he raised concerns over the historical ownership and jurisdiction of the territories associated with the three traditional titles.

According to the solicitor, “the affected communities fall within the ancestral domain and historical jurisdiction of Osogbo, particularly lands allegedly belonging to the Ataoja Fabode Royal Family.”

He maintained that the dispute went beyond the elevation of traditional title holders, arguing that it raised fundamental questions about territorial jurisdiction, customary authority, historical ownership and the boundaries within which traditional institutions could exercise their powers.

“The family called for an independent and impartial investigation to establish the historical and customary boundaries of Osogbo and the affected communities of Odu, Boredun and Omu,” Abdulsalam said.

He also urged the state government to investigate the ancestral ownership and historical jurisdiction of the family over the disputed territories.

“We urge government to investigate the ancestral ownership and historical jurisdiction of the Ataoja Fabode Royal Family over the disputed territories, as well as the legal and customary procedures followed in approving the elevations,” he stated.

The solicitor called for an examination of the roles played by relevant local government authorities and other statutory institutions in initiating or recommending the elevation of the three traditional rulers.

He urged Governor Adeleke to direct the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and other relevant authorities to release documents, recommendations, approvals, boundary records and other official instruments relating to the recognition of the traditional rulers.

Abdulsalam also requested that affected traditional institutions be allowed to present historical records, documentary evidence and customary claims before the government reaches a final decision on the matter.

Warning of possible consequences, the solicitor said unresolved territorial and chieftaincy disputes could generate communal tension, resentment and confrontation, potentially threatening peace and security in the affected communities.

He urged the governor to prevent any action capable of altering the existing territorial arrangements pending the proposed investigation.

He stressed that the petition was not intended to undermine any traditional institution or community’s aspirations but to ensure that government decisions reflected legality, historical justice and fairness.

Abdulsalam also requested a written response from the governor detailing measures taken to address the family’s grievances, while reserving its right to seek legal redress where necessary.