The Aresaadu of Iresaadu, HRM Oba Abraham Olafimihan Adeyeye Oyerinde, has appealed to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to intervene in what he described as the unlawful withholding of his official recognition and entitlements by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Speaking through his counsel, Barrister S.T.A. Raji, during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Ibadan, on friday, the monarch also accused officials of the ministry of plotting to install a parallel Aresaadu despite his continued occupation of the throne.
Raji alleged that the Ministry had issued a letter in September 2025 directing the Chairman of Surulere Local Government to commence the process of appointing another Aresaadu on the claim that a court had nullified Oba Adeyeye’s appointment.
He, however, maintained that no court had removed the monarch from office, stressing that several court judgments had instead affirmed Oba Adeyeye as the substantive Aresaadu of Iresaadu and dismissed claims by the Emiolu Ruling House challenging his emergence.
According to him, the letter was based on false information and was signed by the immediate past Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the ministry.
The counsel further alleged that despite having records confirming the monarch’s appointment, the Commissioner had failed to withdraw the letter and had instead advised the monarch’s representatives to obtain the consent of the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, whom he argued has no legal role in the Aresaadu chieftaincy process.
He described the action as an abuse of office, saying it had created confusion in Iresaadu, encouraged rival claimants, and undermined the authority of the traditional ruler.
Raji alleged that the situation had led to the illegal installation of Baales and minor chiefs, unauthorized sale of family lands, and prevented Oba Adeyeye from performing his statutory responsibilities.
He also recalled that in 2020, the monarch had petitioned Governor Makinde over the alleged forgery of official documents suggesting that the Governor ordered the suspension of his installation, adding that although the Governor directed an investigation, no outcome had been communicated.
The legal counsel presented copies of the monarch’s appointment letter dated May 24, 2019, his Instrument of Office, High Court judgments delivered in 2021 and 2023 affirming his appointment, the withdrawal of an appeal against the 2023 judgment, and a legal advisory from the Ministry of Justice recommending that the monarch be accorded full recognition.
Raji urged Governor Makinde to approve and release the monarch’s outstanding entitlements and official paraphernalia, direct the Commissioner to withdraw the September 2025 letter seeking the appointment of a parallel Aresaadu, and ensure that Oba Adeyeye is allowed to perform the functions of his office.
He also called on the Governor to investigate and sanction officials allegedly responsible for what he described as unlawful actions capable of bringing the state government into disrepute.
