Ogbomoso unrest escalates as Adeseun steps down as Mayegun, alleges Soun is misusing power

The situation in Ogbomosoland has taken a shocking turn, as Senator Hamzat Adeseun, a former lawmaker, has stepped down from his position as the Mayegun of Ogbomosoland, citing concerns over the leadership style and rising tensions within the town, as well as alleged divisive actions.

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Adeseun's resignation comes just weeks after the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, suspended him indefinitely from the chieftaincy title, as stated in a letter dated March 23, 2026, and signed by the Palace Secretary, Toyin Ajamu, due to alleged acts of insubordination and disrespect to the palace.

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In a separate letter to the monarch, Adeseun declared that his resignation is effective immediately, revealing that he had been considering this decision since the early months of the king's ascension to the throne.

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He initially delayed stepping down out of respect for the institution of the Sounship and in honour of the late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, who conferred the title on him about five years ago in recognition of his contributions to the development of Ogbomosoland.

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Recent developments and the monarch's actions, according to Adeseun, compelled him to formally disengage from the palace, prompting him to raise alarm over a growing leadership crisis in Ogbomoso.

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Adeseun alleged that the monarch's style of leadership has undermined the long-standing peace and unity that Ogbomoso is known for, describing the town as historically accommodating and tolerant, but warning that its legacy of peaceful coexistence among religious and cultural groups is now under threat.

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He accused the monarch of engaging in supremacy disputes with other traditional rulers in Ogbomosoland, including the Olugbon of Orile Igbon and the Onpetu of Ijeru, despite their established autonomy.

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Adeseun also alleged interference in religious matters, particularly the leadership tussle involving the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, claiming that attempts to remove the Chief Imam and exert control over the Ogbomoso Central Mosque heightened tension within the Muslim community.

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Notable bodies, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Christian Association of Nigeria, had intervened in the dispute without resolution, according to Adeseun.

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He further accused the monarch of targeting community-based organisations and respected individuals, including socio-cultural groups such as Ogbomoso Parapo Worldwide, whose leadership he said the monarch attempted to dissolve before the courts intervened.

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Adeseun cited alleged harassment and intimidation of prominent figures, including Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun and Alhaji Monsur Ayoade Ejide, as well as incidents involving market leaders and grassroots associations who were reportedly subjected to humiliation at the palace.

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Such actions, Adeseun claimed, have disrupted the long-standing harmony in the town and are not in line with the aspirations of the people, leading him to state that he cannot in good conscience continue to operate as a Chief under the monarch's leadership.

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Highlighting his contributions to the development of Ogbomoso, the former lawmaker listed several projects he facilitated, including the establishment of the National Biotechnology Development Agency centre in Onipanu and the Federal Polytechnic Ayede.

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Adeseun called on the Oyo State Government and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene to restore peace in the town, warning that continued unrest could pose wider security risks.

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Despite his resignation, Adeseun reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, unity, and development of Ogbomosoland, urging all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and allow peace to reign.