Crisis in Osun: Constituents Move to Recall Speaker Egbedun Over Monarch Dispute
From Our Correspondent.
The controversy began with an incident involving Hon. Egbedun and the Olola of Ola, Oba Johnson Ajiboye, during what sources describe as a tense community engagement. Eyewitnesses allege that the Speaker used “undignified and threatening” language toward the monarch, igniting outrage among residents and traditional leaders in the region.
In a statement released by a coalition of community youth groups and elders known as Concerned Constituents for Justice, the group accused Egbedun of “crossing a sacred line” by undermining the authority of a revered royal institution. “Our culture and traditions should not be trampled upon by anyone, no matter how highly placed,” the statement read.
The group has announced plans to begin the constitutional process for a recall, vowing to collect signatures across wards and engage legal experts to challenge the Speaker’s continued position in office. “The Speaker’s actions are unbecoming of a public servant. He has lost the moral authority to lead the Assembly,” stated Akinwale Oyelade, a spokesperson for the group.
While details of the altercation remain unclear, the Palace of the Olola of Ola confirmed that there was a “disrespectful exchange” between the Speaker and the monarch. “Kabiyesi has chosen to remain silent in the face of this provocation out of respect for peace, but the people will not be silent,” said a palace official who wished to remain anonymous.
Efforts to reach Hon. Egbedun for comment were unsuccessful, as his official line went unanswered at the time of this report. However, a source close to the Speaker’s camp described the situation as “grossly exaggerated” and politically motivated. “The Speaker has great respect for traditional institutions. This is just a smear campaign,” the source claimed.
Political observers note that if the recall threat is carried through, it could escalate tensions in the state’s political landscape, especially with local government elections approaching. They warn that the fallout may not only affect Egbedun’s political future but also test the unity of the ruling party.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and human rights advocates have called for calm, urging both parties to reconcile through dialogue. “We cannot allow this issue to deepen the rift between the political class and traditional rulers. Mutual respect must prevail,” said Abiola Kareem, director of the Centre for Civic Engagement.
As the recall campaign gains momentum, all eyes are on Osun State to see whether constituents will succeed in their historic effort to unseat a sitting Speaker or if political maneuvering will once again overshadow grassroots action.
