Oyo Government Overrules Soun, Reaffirms Saka Balogun as Balogun of Ogbomosoland

The Oyo State Government has overruled the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, over the suspension of Dr Saka Balogun as Balogun of Ogbomosoland, arguing that he lacks the constitutional power to do so.

The government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola, argued that only the governor is constitutionally vested with the power to appoint, suspend and depose a Part II chieftaincy title holder.

The statement reads, “The Oyo State Government has been drawn to the media report concerning the purported removal of Dr Saka Adegbite Balogun, the Balogun of Ogbomoso, by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso.

“By virtue of the provisions of CAP 28, Section 26(1) of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State (2000), the power to appoint, suspend and depose a Part II Recognised Chieftaincy holder is vested exclusively in the Executive Governor of the state. Therefore, the purported removal of Dr Saka Balogun, the Balogun of Ogbomosoland, by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, is an aberration and unknown to the existing law that guides the operations of traditional councils in the state.

“In the light of this, Dr Saka Adegbite Balogun is the duly recognised Balogun of Ogbomosoland. Members of the public are hereby enjoined to disregard any such removal.”

Also, the Balogun Taiwo Atere-Gbebi family has faulted the Soun’s decision to suspend Dr Saka Balogun as Balogun of Ogbomosoland.

The family, in a letter dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of the Balogun Chieftaincy House, Balogun Olajire Raufu, said there had been neither a query nor prior communication with the family before the decision was taken by the Soun.

He noted that Balogun had been denied access to the palace on two occasions, adding, “It is on record that twice, Balogun and his entourage were denied entrance to the palace since his installation on December 19, 2025, during the observance of the traditional homage (Ikije).

“On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the family received a letter of suspension from the palace without any previous communication, dialogue or query.

“This is very strange to the family and the Balogun of Ogbomosoland, hence the letter to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, through the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, to kindly intercede on our behalf concerning the suspension.

“It is on record that the Balogun has not been paid a salary since April 2025.”

Meanwhile, Oba Olaoye has remained resolute over the suspension order placed on the Balogun of Ogbomosoland

The order was contained in a letter personally signed by Oba Olaoye, titled ‘Letter of Indefinite Suspension from the Title of Balogun of Ogbomosoland’, dated October 20, 2026.

According to the letter, the Oath of Allegiance to the throne is neither optional nor ceremonial but a prerequisite for recognition as a member of the Executive Council of Chiefs of Ogbomosoland.

“It was a fundamental requirement for the proper assumption and exercise of the responsibilities and authority attached to the title.”

Oba Olaoye said it was stated in the appointment letter issued to Balogun on December 19, 2025, that the customary Oath of Allegiance to the office of the Soun of Ogbomosoland was a prerequisite for full participation in the Council of Executive Chiefs.

He added that until the oath was formally signed, Balogun would not be seated among the other Executive Chiefs.

The monarch, however, alleged that despite the understanding reached before his installation, Balogun had failed to sign the oath and had demonstrated no intention of fulfilling the obligation.

“Of even greater concern are your public statements and conduct, particularly the interview in which you threatened to take the stool of the Soun 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 monarch described the reported threat as an affront to the dignity of the throne and the institution of the palace, adding that the conduct had brought embarrassment to the traditional institution and undermined its standing.

Consequently, Oba Olaoye directed Balogun to stop presenting himself or acting in any official capacity as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland for the duration of the suspension.

He also barred him from exercising any authority, privilege or responsibility associated with the title, as well as undertaking official engagements, making representations or issuing communications in the name of the office.

The monarch maintained that the traditional institution of Ogbomosoland was founded on respect for constituted authority, adherence to established customs and the fulfilment of obligations attached to traditional titles.

He added that no title holder should expect to retain the privileges and recognition of an office while persistently rejecting its fundamental requirements.