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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The festering leadership crisis in Ogbomoso land has deepened following the resignation of former lawmaker, Senator Hamzat Ayoade Adeseun, from his position as the Mayegun of Ogbomoso land, amid allegations of division and abuse of authority against the Soun, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.
Adeseun’s decision to relinquish the traditional title came weeks after the monarch announced his indefinite suspension over alleged insubordination and disrespect to the palace in a letter dated March 23, 2026 and signed by the Palace Secretary, Toyin Ajamu.
However, in a separate correspondence addressed to the monarch, he declared that his resignation took immediate effect, stressing that the move had been under consideration since the early days of the king’s ascension to the throne.
The former senator explained that he had initially delayed the decision out of reverence for the institution of the Sounship and in honour of the late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, who conferred the Mayegun title on him about five years ago, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Ogbomoso land.
Speaking at a press conference, Adeseun raised concerns over what he described as a growing leadership crisis in the ancient town, accusing the monarch of adopting a leadership style that has eroded the long-standing peace and unity for which Ogbomoso is known.
He warned that the town’s legacy of religious tolerance and cultural harmony was under threat, alleging that the monarch had been involved in supremacy disputes with other traditional rulers, including the Olugbon of Orile Igbon and the Onipetu of Ijeru, despite their recognised autonomy.
He further alleged interference in religious affairs, particularly in the leadership tussle surrounding the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso. According to him, attempts to remove the Chief Imam and assert control over the Ogbomoso Central Mosque had heightened tension within the Muslim community.
He noted that prominent religious bodies such as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Christian Association of Nigeria had intervened in the dispute, though without resolution.
The former Mayegun also accused the monarch of targeting socio-cultural organisations and respected individuals within the community, citing the alleged attempt to dissolve Ogbomoso Parapo Worldwide before judicial intervention halted the move.
He further alleged harassment and intimidation of notable figures, including Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun and Alhaji Monsur Ayoade Ejide, as well as instances where market leaders and grassroots stakeholders were reportedly humiliated at the palace.
“These developments have disrupted the long-standing harmony in Ogbomoso land and are inconsistent with the aspirations of its people,” he stated, adding that he could no longer, in good conscience, continue to serve under the current leadership.
Highlighting his contributions, he pointed to projects he facilitated during his tenure, including the establishment of a National Biotechnology Development Agency centre in Onipanu and the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede.
He called on the Oyo State Government and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene to restore peace and stability in the town, warning that the escalating tensions could pose broader security concerns if left unchecked.
