Supremacy: Oluwo Rejects Ataoja’s Seniority Claim
- Asks Monarch To Seek Unadulterated History
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has rejected the claim that he is occupying the position of the Ataoja of Osogbo in the hierarchy of traditional rulers in Osun State.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Oba Jimoh Oyetunji had during an event at the Osun State University on Wednesday, claimed that the number four position currently occupied by the Oluwo was for him.
Ataoja said, “Late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale, during his reign went abroad, and before he came back, his position was given to the Oluwo of Iwoland. That was how Oluwo became the number four in the hierarchy. That position is for Ataoja.
“When I spoke about it some time ago, people twisted words, and that was the reason why I was silent on that matter. However, I’m working underground. I’m not fighting any monarch but Ataoja’s stool is number four in Osun State.”
But the Oluwo while replying, described Ataoja’s argument as historically inaccurate.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, on Wednesday Oba Akanbi stated: “Ataoja should note that the claim to seniority is not by chair. Oluwo is a Natural Paramount Ruler with no history of Coronet.
“Ataoja is strongly advised to seek extension unadulterated history from great men and women of Osogbo well versed in the history of Osogbo and Yoruba by extension.”
The statement emphasised that the Oluwo’s crown derived directly from Oduduwa, adding: “As far as we know, Ataoja was a Baale until 1948.”
The palace insisted that the Oluwo remained a paramount ruler recognised historically and culturally, with authority over more than 35 installed kings, stressing that the throne’s status was not open to contention.
“While I agree we are in era where even thew newest Baale can challenge the oldest crowns with little consequences, yet I still feel hurt by what we deliberately surrendered in the last generation (25 years).
“The conquest of Yorubaland from the invasion of the Fulanis in Osogbo was not without the front war leadership of Iwo warriors such as Balogun Ali-Iwo, Basorun Ogunmola, Balogun Oderinlo, Orowusi, who are Iwo indigenes (Omo Bibi Ilu Iwo) before they left for Ibadan.
“The statement made by Ataoja was an overreach and cannot cause friction between the good people of Iwoland and Osogbo. The inference is like the Olu of Ikeja to Akiolu of Lagos,” he concluded.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
