OSOGBO, OSUN STATE …The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, has announced the return of Chief Awawu Asindemade, the Iyalode of Osogbo, as the Iyaloja General of Osun State.

The development followed the monarch’s decision to restore Asindemade’s royal beads associated with the office, after he said she had complied with his directive to support Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke during the governor’s re-election campaign.

According to reports from the Ataoja’s palace, the monarch said he had earlier instructed Asindemade to remain calm and work for Adeleke’s re-election, adding that she fulfilled the directive. He subsequently announced her return to the position.

The Ataoja was quoted as saying that he wanted Governor Adeleke to maintain peace with Asindemade following the development.

However, the development has triggered a fresh disagreement over the authority to appoint the Iyaloja General of Osun State. Governor Adeleke’s administration has rejected the palace declaration and maintained that Mrs Mary Oyebode remains the Iyaloja General recognised by the state government.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the state government said the authority to appoint the Iyaloja General rests with the state government and described any contrary announcement, including one from the Osogbo Royal Palace, as having no legal effect.

The controversy has therefore produced competing positions over the leadership of market women in Osun State, with the Ataoja presenting Awawu Asindemade as the restored Iyaloja General while the Adeleke administration continues to recognise Mary Oyebode in the office.

The development is expected to attract further attention as traditional authority, market leadership and the legal status of the appointment continue to generate discussion across Osun State.

Reporting by PRESSHUB MEDIA AGENCY

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