The attention of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwahab Kayode Oyedotun Bibire II, the Orangun of Ila-Orangun, has been drawn to a press release circulated by the Osun State Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, dated 18th July, 2026, which claimed that high chiefs of Ila-Orangun, acting on the instruction of the Kabiyesi, paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke and pledged the support of the Ila people for his second-term bid.
Kabiyesi categorically dissociates himself, the sacred stool of Orangun, and the entire people of Ila-Orangun from the said visit and endorsement.
Kabiyesi categorically dissociates himself, the sacred stool of Orangun, and the entire people of Ila-Orangun from the said visit and endorsement.
FACTS OF THE REBUTTAL:
1. No Royal Authorization: His Royal Majesty confirmed that he never sent any delegation to the Governor. The palace was neither consulted nor informed of the visit. Kabiyesi expressed surprise upon learning of the news, stating that the delegation acted without the knowledge or sanction of the throne.
2. Personal Interests, Not Royal Mandate: Kabiyesi insists that the chiefs and individuals who partook in the visit did so purely out of their personal interests and were most likely induced by politicians. Their actions do not reflect the position of the palace or the majority of the people of Ila-Orangun.
3. Warning Against Misrepresentation: The Orangun warned that the actions of the delegates could be misrepresented as the position of the entire Ila kingdom, which they are not. He cautioned politicians against using traditional institutions to stoke unnecessary violence and political tension in the state.
4. Sanctions for Erring Chiefs: While acknowledging that chiefs have the liberty to speak on certain matters, Kabiyesi emphasized that they must never use his name abysmally or in matters where they have not been expressly sanctioned. He noted that necessary corrective measures are already being taken privately to deter future occurrences.
5. Senator Ajagunla – A Worthy Son and Leader with Tangible Legacies: In a significant clarification, Kabiyesi held the Distinguished Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajagunla in the highest esteem, describing him as a worthy son and an illustrious leader of Ila-Orangun. The monarch catalogued several landmark developmental projects initiated and facilitated by Senator Ajagunla, including:
• The Ila-Orangun Dual Carriage Way: It was recalled that it was Senator Ajagunla who initiated and advocated for the dualization of the newly constructed road in Ila-Orangun—a project that the Osun State Government later executed. Kabiyesi commended the Senator's developmental foresight and commitment to the progress of the town.
• The 132kVA / 60MVA Sub-Station: The monarch acknowledged Senator Ajagunla's role in facilitating the approval of the new 132kVA / 60MVA sub-station by Mr. President, a critical infrastructure project that will serve and benefit no fewer than six local government areas in the region, significantly boosting power supply and economic activities.
• Ajagunla Radio Station: Kabiyesi also noted with pride the Ajagunla Radio Station, which is already on air, as another testament to the Senator's unwavering commitment to media development, information dissemination, and the empowerment of the people of Ila-Orangun and beyond.
Kabiyesi affirmed that these visible legacies speak volumes about Senator Ajagunla's dedication to the welfare and progress of his people.
6. While clarifying the origin of the road project, Kabiyesi nonetheless thanked Governor Ademola Adeleke for completing and commissioning the project, as due credit must be given to the state government for its execution.
7. Call for Peaceful Elections: On the forthcoming August 15, 2026, governorship election, His Royal Majesty called on all politicians and their supporters to remain calm, eschew violence, and prioritize the growth and unity of Osun State above partisan interests.
CONCLUSION:
The Orangun of Ila reaffirms that the palace remains neutral and non-partisan. The purported endorsement is null and void, and any claims to the contrary are false and misleading. Kabiyesi urges the general public, particularly the good people of Ila-Orangun, to disregard the said press release as it does not emanate from the palace.
High Chief Elemona
High Chief Ejemu
Chief Odode
Chief Obasolo.
ODE ILU ILA ORANGUN
Post a Comment