IBOT Condemns Ataoja’s Controversial Obaship Ranking Claim

 

 

IBOT Condemns Ataoja’s Controversial Obaship Ranking Claim

 

 

 

The Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT) has raised strong objections to a statement credited to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Laaroye, in which he claimed to be ranked fourth among first-class Obas in Osun State, effectively placing the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, in fifth position.

 

In a press release signed by Professor Lai Olurode, IBOT President, and Aare Jire Ayinla, Secretary-General, the group described the Ataoja’s remarks as an attempt to “stir the hornet’s nest.”

 

The trustees faulted the Ataoja for failing to provide credible historical or archival evidence to substantiate his claim. They emphasized that although Osogbo’s political prominence has grown since it became Osun State’s capital in 1991, its modern administrative status cannot override established Yoruba historical facts.

 

IBOT highlighted that the Ataoja’s crown, along with some others, was formally recognised only in 1976 by a decree of then-Military Governor David Jemibewon, whereas the Oluwo’s beaded crown is of ancient Odùduwà lineage. Citing historical records from the old Western Region, the group noted that the Ataoja was not listed among the beaded crowns at the time, warning against the use of political influence to distort Yoruba heritage.

 

Acknowledging the sociopolitical ties between Iwo and Osogbo, IBOT insisted that respect for tradition must not be compromised. The group called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene, urging the Ataoja to retract his statement and apologise to the Oluwo and the Osun State Council of Obas.

 

“The Oluwo has distinguished himself as a no-nonsense monarch who will never allow history to be distorted. Leaders of thought in Iwo also cannot fold their arms while established historical facts are falsified,” the statement read.

 

IBOT further cautioned that Osun State’s relative peace should not be jeopardized by avoidable provocations and stressed that anyone engaging in historical falsification should face appropriate sanctions.