The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has dismissed claims that the lawmakers are considering a letter that would introduce rotational chairmanship for the Osun State Council of Obas. The Speaker described the report as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary tension within the state.
Egbedun’s reaction followed a post circulated on social media, particularly on a Facebook page operating under the name “Ashiwaju Omo Yoruba,” which claimed that the Osun State House of Assembly had received a letter seeking approval for the rotation of the council’s chairmanship among traditional rulers in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, the Speaker made it clear that no such letter had been received by the Assembly and that the claim did not reflect the position or activities of the legislature.
“The Office of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly unequivocally dismisses as false and misleading the publication circulated by a pseudo Facebook page operating under the name ‘Ashiwaju Omo Yoruba,’” the statement read.
According to Egbedun, at no point did he receive or approve any letter authorising rotational chairmanship among traditional rulers in Osun State. He also stressed that no such matter had been presented before the House or its Committee on Chieftaincy Matters.
“At no time did the Speaker receive or authorise any letter concerning the rotation of chairmanship among traditional rulers in Osun State, nor was any such matter presented or contemplated before the House or its Committee on Chieftaincy Matters,” the statement said.
The Speaker described the claim as completely fabricated and accused those behind it of deliberately spreading false information to mislead the public and create confusion around sensitive traditional and cultural issues.
“The claim is entirely fabricated and does not reflect the legislative activities or records of the Assembly,” Egbedun said. “This pseudo Facebook page is clearly engaged in deliberate mischief, spreading unfounded information with the intent to mislead the public, provoke unnecessary tension, and undermine the credibility of the Osun State House of Assembly.”
He added that it was irresponsible for anyone to exploit traditional institutions for personal or political motives, noting that matters involving royal institutions require caution, respect, and proper process.
The Speaker further stressed that the Osun State House of Assembly conducts its activities strictly in line with the Constitution and established legislative procedures. He warned that no decision affecting traditional rulers could be taken casually or through unofficial channels.
Egbedun urged residents of Osun State to completely disregard the social media publication, saying it did not represent the position of the Assembly.
“Only statements issued through the official and verified channels of the Osun State House of Assembly should be considered authentic,” he said.
The clarification by the Osun Assembly comes at a time when discussions around the leadership structure of traditional councils have gained renewed attention in the South-West, following recent developments in neighbouring Oyo State.
On January 15, 2026, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, inaugurated a reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan. Under the new arrangement, the chairmanship of the council is set to rotate among three leading traditional rulers in the state.
The inauguration took place at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, emerged as the inaugural chairman of the council for a two-year term.
The decision marked a major departure from the previous arrangement, where the chairmanship was permanently held by the Alaafin of Oyo. The change followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The amendment was described by the Oyo State Government as part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and promote fairness among first-class monarchs in the state. However, the move also generated controversy and debate among stakeholders.
Notably, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the most prominent traditional rulers in the state, was absent from the inauguration ceremony. His absence further fueled public discussion, especially after he later denied agreeing to the rotational arrangement.
Since then, discussions and speculations have spread to other South-West states, including Osun, where the Ooni of Ife traditionally serves as the permanent chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas.
The Ooni of Ife is regarded as one of the most respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland, with historical and cultural significance that dates back centuries. Any suggestion of altering his role within the Osun Council of Obas is therefore considered highly sensitive.
However, the Osun State House of Assembly has now made it clear that no such move is being considered and that no letter on rotational chairmanship exists before the lawmakers.
Traditional rulers play a key advisory role in governance, especially on issues of culture, land, security, and community peace. Any perceived threat to their status can easily trigger tension if not properly managed.
The Osun Assembly’s statement also serves as a reminder of the dangers of misinformation on social media, especially when it concerns sensitive issues such as chieftaincy and tradition.
As the debate over traditional council leadership continues in some states, the Osun State House of Assembly has maintained that its focus remains on lawmaking, oversight, and representation, not on spreading or entertaining unfounded claims.