Politics

Royal Tussle in Osun: Kingmakers Reject Dethronement of Jailed Monarch

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on September 10th, 2025.

The ancient town of [insert town name if known] in Osun State has been thrown into a storm of controversy as kingmakers openly rejected moves to dethrone their embattled monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, who is currently serving a jail term.

Reports indicate that certain groups within the community, backed by external political interests, have been pushing for the removal of the monarch, citing the imprisonment as a ground for dethronement. However, the kingmakers — custodians of tradition and heritage — have stood their ground, declaring that Oba Oloyede remains their rightful ruler despite his current ordeal.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting, a leading member of the traditional council explained that the stool of their forefathers was not one to be tossed about by political calculations. According to him, the monarch’s personal legal troubles should not be mistaken for a vacancy on the throne, stressing that their allegiance lies with tradition and not with the “whims of power brokers.”

> “The Obaship is sacred. It is not a title that is handed over to please political forces or satisfy those who have personal grievances. As long as the traditional rites remain unbroken, Kabiyesi is still our king,” he said.

Community elders have also expressed fears that dethroning Oba Oloyede could ignite unrest among loyal subjects, who still regard him as the custodian of their heritage. Some argued that allowing external forces to dictate the fate of their monarch would erode the cultural fabric that binds the people together.

On the other hand, proponents of the monarch’s removal maintain that his incarceration has weakened the dignity of the throne, insisting that the community deserves an untainted leadership. Yet, the kingmakers remain unshaken, stating that due process and customs must prevail over sentiments.

For now, the battle over Oba Joseph Oloyede’s fate continues to stir heated debates within and outside the town. What remains certain is that the tussle has exposed the delicate intersection between tradition, politics, and justice in Osun State’s royal

institutions.