A fresh disagreement has emerged in Osun State between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, over who should occupy the position of Iyaloja General, the state-level leadership role representing market women.

The dispute followed a recent declaration by the Ataoja that Chief Awawu Asindemade, the Iyalode of Osogbo, had returned to the position.

In a video circulating on social media, the monarch said he had instructed Asindemade to support Adeleke during the August 15, 2026 governorship election and that she complied with the directive.

According to the Ataoja, her compliance prompted him to restore her to the Iyaloja General position and return the traditional insignia associated with the office.

The monarch also said he was the person with the authority to appoint the Iyaloja General and appealed to Governor Adeleke to maintain peace with Asindemade.

Asindemade had previously occupied the position during the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola. She was replaced in 2023 after Adeleke assumed office, with Mary Oyebode subsequently occupying the position.

However, the Osun State Government has rejected the Ataoja’s declaration.

In a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the government maintained that Oyebode remains the legally recognised Iyaloja General under the authority of the state government.

The government further stated that any announcement from another institution, including the Osogbo royal palace, could not alter the existing appointment.

Adeleke urged market associations and women across Osun State to continue recognising Oyebode in the position and called on individuals and institutions to respect their legally assigned responsibilities.

The governor also appealed for restraint, warning against actions that could create tension or disturb peace in the state.

The disagreement comes shortly after Adeleke secured re-election in the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election. The governor, who contested on the Accord platform, was declared winner with 511,067 votes, ahead of APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

The latest dispute therefore places a traditional institution and the state government on opposing sides over the authority to determine the occupant of a prominent market leadership position.

The competing claims do not, by themselves, resolve the legal question of who has the statutory authority to make the appointment. Any further determination would depend on the applicable Osun State laws and, if challenged, the relevant legal or judicial process.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia