The Oyo State Government has firmly rejected the purported removal of Dr Saka Adegbite Balogun as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, declaring that Balogun remains the duly recognised holder of the title.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, said the reported removal was inconsistent with the provisions of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, 2000.
The government specifically invoked Section 26(1) of the law, arguing that the authority to appoint, suspend or depose a Part II recognised chieftaincy holder rests exclusively with the state governor.
Consequently, the government rejected the reported action against Balogun and reaffirmed his status as the recognised Balogun of Ogbomosoland.
“In the light of this, Dr Saka Adegbite Balogun is the duly recognised Balogun of Ogbomosoland,” the statement declared.
The government also urged the public to disregard reports suggesting that Balogun had lost his position.
The statement brings the state government’s position into direct conflict with the reported decision of the Soun over the chieftaincy title, raising questions about the applicable legal procedures and the respective powers of traditional rulers and government authorities in chieftaincy matters.
For now, the Oyo State Government’s position is clear: it does not recognise the reported removal of Dr Saka Adegbite Balogun and continues to regard him as the duly recognised Balogun of Ogbomosoland.
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