Oyo State Government has faulted the purported suspension of Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, declaring that the monarch lacks the legal authority to remove a recognised Part II chieftaincy holder.
The government maintained that the power to appoint, suspend or depose a recognised Part II chieftaincy holder rests exclusively with the state governor under the provisions of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, 2000.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, the government described the purported removal as inconsistent with the existing law governing chieftaincy matters in the state.
Ojo cited Section 26(1) of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, as the legal provision governing the appointment, suspension and removal of recognised Part II chieftaincy holders.
He said the action attributed to the Soun was an aberration and was not recognised under the law guiding the operation of traditional councils in Oyo State. “In the light of this, Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun is the duly recognised Balogun of Ogbomosoland,” the Commissioner stated.
The government consequently urged members of the public to disregard any announcement or report suggesting that Balogun had been removed from the chieftaincy position.
The controversy followed an indefinite suspension announced by Oba Olaoye in a letter dated October 20, 2026, over Balogun’s alleged refusal to sign the prescribed Oath of Allegiance to the throne.
In the letter, the monarch maintained that signing the oath was a fundamental requirement attached to Balogun’s appointment and participation in the council of executive chiefs. He also alleged that the chief had failed to fulfil the obligation despite earlier reminders.
Oba Olaoye further directed Balogun to stop presenting himself or acting in any official capacity as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland for the duration of the suspension.
However, the state government’s response has placed the legality of the suspension at the centre of the dispute, with the commissioner insisting that the governor holds the statutory authority over the removal of recognised Part II chieftaincy holders.
Balogun was appointed Balogun of Ogbomosoland following the state government’s approval in April 2025, after his nomination by the Balogun Taiwo Atere-Gbebi ruling house and endorsement by the Soun as the consenting authority.
The latest development underscores the disagreement between the palace and the state government over the authority to suspend or remove a recognised chieftaincy holder.
