The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has placed the Balogun of Ogbomosoland, Dr Saka Balogun, on indefinite suspension over his alleged refusal to sign an Oath of Allegiance to the throne.
Drivetvnews gathered that the decision was conveyed in a letter personally signed by the monarch on October 20, 2026, titled “Letter of Indefinite Suspension from the Title of Balogun of Ogbomosoland.”
In the letter, Oba Olaoye stated that signing the Oath of Allegiance was a compulsory requirement for recognition as a member of the Executive Council of Chiefs in Ogbomosoland.
He explained that the oath was not merely ceremonial but a fundamental condition for assuming and exercising the responsibilities attached to the traditional title.
The monarch also referred to Balogun’s appointment letter, issued on December 19, 2025, which reportedly stated that taking the customary Oath of Allegiance to the office of the Soun was necessary for full participation in the Executive Council of Chiefs.
According to Oba Olaoye, Balogun would not be allowed to sit with other executive chiefs until he formally signed the oath.
The monarch alleged that despite an understanding reached before Balogun’s installation, the traditional chief had failed to fulfil the requirement and had shown no intention of doing so.
Oba Olaoye also expressed concern over Balogun’s public statements and conduct, particularly an interview in which he allegedly threatened to take the Soun’s throne to court.
“Such pronouncements are deeply regrettable and constitute a grave affront to the dignity of the throne, the sanctity of the Palace, and the institution you were privileged to serve,” the letter stated.
The monarch described the alleged threat as an affront to the traditional institution, saying Balogun’s conduct had embarrassed the palace and undermined its standing.
Consequently, Oba Olaoye directed Balogun to stop presenting himself or acting in any official capacity as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland throughout the suspension period.
He also prohibited him from exercising any authority, privilege or responsibility associated with the title. The suspended chief was further barred from attending official engagements, making representations or issuing communications on behalf of the office.
The Soun maintained that Ogbomosoland’s traditional institution was built on respect for constituted authority, adherence to established customs and the fulfilment of obligations attached to traditional titles.
He added that no titleholder should expect to retain the privileges and recognition of an office while persistently refusing to meet its fundamental requirements.
