Osogbo ruling houses demand return of Ataoja to 4th rank

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Royal houses in Osogbo have urged the Osun State government to urgently restore the Ataoja of Osogbo to its historical fourth position in the ranking of the Osun Council of Obas. They argue that the Oluwo of Iwo is not tradition-bound to hold this position and is historically unfit to do so.

During a press conference held at the Aruru Gbaemu compound, representatives from the Sogbo, Lahanmi, and Matanmi ruling houses expressed their concerns over the replacement of the Ataoja’s rightful fourth position by the Oluwo.

Tensions have escalated between the Ataoja, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurasheed Akanbi, who insists on maintaining his claim to the ranking.

Prince Lekan Salami, speaking on behalf of the royal families, described the Oluwo’s position as an “anomaly.” He emphasised that the Ataoja is a direct descendant of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, and has a historical claim to the fourth position.

He said, “Oluwo has no paternal affinity with Oduduwa, while Ataoja of Osogbo does.”

Salami detailed the lineage of the Ataoja, noting that he is a descendant of Ataoja Larooye, the first Ataoja of Osogbo, who is five generations removed from Oduduwa. He argued that the beaded crown and staff carried by the Ataoja signify this long-standing seniority in contrast to the Oluwo, whose lineage traces back maternally through the only female Ooni of Ife.

Supporting these claims, Salami referenced historical documents, including letters from 1948 that categorised the ranks of Obas, with the Ataoja listed as first and the Oluwo as seventh.

This classification, he claimed, reflects the established order that has been in place since the colonial era but was altered unjustly during the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The royal families fervently called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to uphold the traditional ranking system rooted in history and respect the established position of the Ataoja.

“The traditional fourth position of Ataoja is well-founded and documented. We urge the governor to ensure its respect in the state’s hierarchy of Obas,” they said.