The Palace of the Olobu of Ilobuland in Osun state has dismissed a publication by a group identifying itself as the “Molebi of Gbobamu,” describing it as false, misleading and capable of causing disunity in the community.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olobu, Obey Abdulbasit Adewale, the Palace said the publication was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, incite discord and undermine the traditional institution of the Olobu.
The Palace maintained that the Olobu of Ilobuland, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan, is the prescribed traditional authority with the customary powers to install, recognise, suspend, remove or replace subordinate chiefs in Ilobuland.
According to the statement, the group had, in the same publication, acknowledged the Olobu’s authority to install and recognise chiefs, arguing that it was inconsistent to reject the monarch’s authority after he exercised the same powers to remove a chief and appoint a replacement.
“The Olobu, as the prescribed traditional authority, possesses the customary power to discipline, suspend, remove or replace any subordinate chief whose conduct is inconsistent with the customs, traditions and peace of Ilobuland,” the statement read.
The Palace also rejected the group’s call for the reinstatement of the removed chief, describing the demand as an invitation to anarchy and one capable of disrupting the peace in Gbobamu and the entire Ilobuland.
It warned that those making such calls should be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order that might arise from their actions.
The Palace further accused the owners and operators of the media platform that published the group’s statement of promoting falsehood, sensationalism and divisive propaganda instead of adhering to professional journalism standards.
It also alleged that some individuals named as being consulted in the publication were falsely represented, insisting they had no knowledge of the document and describing the act as impersonation.
Reaffirming the commitment of Oba Olaniyan to justice, fairness, peace and the preservation of Ilobu’s customs and traditions, the Palace said the traditional institution would not be distracted by what it described as coordinated attempts to undermine its authority.
The Palace urged members of the public to disregard the publication and called on residents of Ilobu to remain peaceful, law-abiding and continue to support the traditional institution under the leadership of the Olobu.
