The Oyo State Government has declared the indefinite suspension of the Balogun of Ogbomosoland, Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun, by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, illegal, insisting that the traditional ruler lacks the legal authority to suspend a recognised Part II chieftaincy holder.
The government’s position followed a letter dated October 20, 2026, personally signed by the Soun and titled “Letter of Indefinite Suspension from the Title of Balogun of Ogbomosoland.”
In the letter, Oba Olaoye reportedly announced Balogun’s indefinite suspension over his alleged refusal to sign an Oath of Allegiance to the throne.
According to the letter, the oath is not optional or merely ceremonial but a requirement for recognition as a member of the Executive Council of Chiefs of Ogbomosoland.
However, the state government, through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, rejected the action on Friday, describing it as contrary to the existing chieftaincy law.
In a press statement dated October 23, 2026, Ojo cited Section 26(1) of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, Cap 28 (2000), which he said gives the state governor exclusive authority to appoint, suspend and depose a recognised Part II chieftaincy holder.
The commissioner described the Soun’s action against Balogun as an aberration and said it was not supported by the law governing traditional council operations in the state.
He reaffirmed that Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun remains the duly recognised Balogun of Ogbomosoland.
Ojo also urged members of the public to disregard any claims suggesting that Balogun had been removed or suspended from the traditional title.
The government’s intervention followed a complaint by the Balogun Taiwo Atere-Gbebi Family of Isale-Afon, Ogbomoso, which appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the dispute.
In a letter dated October 22, 2026, and addressed to the governor through the Local Government Service Commission, the family said it received the suspension letter from the palace on October 21 without prior communication, dialogue or inquiry.
The family further alleged that Balogun and members of his entourage had been denied entry into the palace on two occasions since his installation on December 19, 2025.
According to the letter, the incidents occurred during the traditional homage ceremony known as Ikije and after the commissioning of Ojabgo Market.
The family called on the state government to intervene and resolve the disagreement. It also claimed that Balogun had not received any salary since April 2025.
The development has drawn attention to the relationship between the Soun’s palace and the Balogun’s family, with the state government maintaining that any suspension or removal of a recognised Part II chieftaincy holder must comply with the provisions of Oyo State’s chieftaincy law.
