Osun Governor Adeleke Dismisses Three Monarchs and Establishes Task Force for Solid Minerals 

In a recent development, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has removed three monarchs from their positions. On January 18, the state government issued six white papers, five of which addressed various committees investigating concerns raised by the governor when he assumed office in November 2022.

Adeleke, upon his swearing-in on November 28, 2022, had issued executive orders suspending approximately 30 monarchs, asserting that their appointments were irregularly made during the twilight of his predecessor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration. To investigate these appointments, Adeleke formed a committee chaired by Bunmi Jenyo, focusing particularly on the appointments of the Owa of Igbajo, Are of Iree, and Akirun of Ikirun.

Fourteen months later, Adeleke released a White Paper that resulted in the dismissal of the three contested monarchs: Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun; Are of Iree, Oba Ademola Ponle; and Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri. The announcement, made by Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi, emphasized the governor’s commitment to due process, extensive consultation, and adherence to the rule of law.

Additionally, Governor Adeleke approved the establishment of a task force tasked with recovering government vehicles allegedly taken by officials during the Gboyega Oyetola administration. The State Government also instructed the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment to publish the six white papers in the official government gazette. Members of the public interested in obtaining copies are directed to approach the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment at the State Secretariat in Osogbo.