ABEOKUTA– The Asiwaju of Orile Imo, a community under the Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun state, Chief Olalekan Olakunle, has warned that his proported suspension by the Olu of Orile Imo, Oba Oluwambe Sogaolu is invalid, saying that the monarch lacks the authority to do so.
Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, Chief Olakunle stated that by the chieftacy law of Ogun state, only the people, duly represented by leaders of the community has the locus standi to remove a chief, and not the prerogative of a ‘minor chief’s.
Recall that the monarch, in a statement signed by the Balogun of Orile Imo, Chief Isiaq Adesanya had announced the suspension of Chief Olakunle, citing non recognition of the community constituted authority, misconduct and non compliance as reasons.
Part of the letter reads, “At a meeting of the Orile Imo Traditional Council of chiefs held on Tuesday 12th August, 2025, in a unanimous decision, the meeting resolves as follows; that Chief Olakunle Olalekan is hereby suspended indefinitely as Asiwaju of Orile imo land with effect from Tuesday 12th August, 2025 due to gross misconduct and non-compliance and recognition of the Orile Imo Land constituted authority the actions which is unbecoming of a chief in our land.
“During the suspension period, Chief Olakunle Olalekan is strictly prohibited from representing or parading himself as Asiwaju of Orile Imo or taking actions that may be perceived as acting in that capacity”.
However, Chief Olakunle added that though there was no dispute between him and the monarch, he however reteraite that the issue of Obaship of the community between the duo is still a subject of court litigation.
He however maintained that he remained the elected Asiwaju and chairman of the council of Baales of the over 46 communities.
Chief Olakunle therefore called on the Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun to intervene on the matter before it degenerates into full blown crisis in the peaceful community.
“The governor of Ogun state is a prince. He knows the rules, regulation and custom. And I believe nobody can just sit down somewhere and say I’ve suspended somebody, It’s never done anywhere.
“I’m just appealing to the governor of Ogun state. As usual, he’s the man of the people. That we don’t want crisis in Orile imo and to avoid crisis, let Oba Oluwambe Shogaolu stay off saying, he has suspended me.
“He has no power to suspend me”, he said
Also speaking, the Baale of Kajola, Chief Ayinde Gbadamosi, lamented that the method used by the monarch was not the right way and urged him to follow the normal procedure for peace and progress to thrive in the community.
Similarly, the community youth leader, Jimoh Olorunsogo disclosed that Olakunle was bearing the Asiwaju title before the advent of Sogaolu, adding that since he is yet to be declared the authentic Oba by the court, he has no legal right to suspend Chief Olalekan as Asiwaju.
Among the Baales in attendance included, Chief Isaac Olaoye (Agbedi), James Jinadu (Jesutedo) Omolade Sosanya (Odogi Odo), Lekan Adebiyi (Olowotedo), Albert Matiku (Afuyeke), Jimoh Ogunjuwun (Oloja Oke), Ayinde Gbadamosi (Kajola), Olusegun Okesola (Fere) Samson Erinosho (Awo).
Others were, Adeboye Sofela (Erofo), Kola Olaiwola (Jibowu), Matthew Akintoye (Oni porogun),Phillip Oseni (Mayaka), Kayode Ogun yonbo (Gbarawe), Olawale Bamigboye (Gbonoje), Morufu Oseni (Lisokun), Samodi Ayoola (Keke), Agboola Oni (Tigu), Adeolu Otesile (Majo), Musibau Tijani (Bajila) amongst others.
