Have you noticed the special bond between the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal and Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji? If you have followed the happenings since Governor Adeleke came to power in November 2022 you must have noticed that the governor holds the two prominent Osun monarch in high esteem. And that is not in any way surprising to those who are privy to the cordial relationship between Adeleke and the two monarchs.
While it is an open secret that both Timi of Ede and Ataoja stood solidly behind Adeleke during the election that produced him as governor. The two were the ones, of all the traditional rulers in the state, who publicly declared their supports for Adeleke against all odds and what was described as incessant intimidations from the incumbent government.
Infact, many won’t forget in a hurry the viral video in which Ataoja was seen placing curses on those allegedly attacking PDP members during the electioneering campaigns. So tense was the situation that the Oyetola-led administration was accused of planning to dethrone Ataoja. The purported move didn’t only sparked up protests within Osogbo metropolis but also created a kind of accusation and counter accusation between the camp of the traditional ruler and that of Oyetola.
The then government in power was to later reacted and described the dethronement story as a mere rumor and deliberate plans of some unscrupulous elements within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to pitch the people against Oyetola and his government. However, those who are in the know would readily tell you that the relationship between Adeleke, Ataoja and Timi of Ede precedes election period. While Ataoja has been telling whoever cares to listen that it was the PDP government that installed him as the traditional ruler of the town and as such couldn’t have worked against the party and it’s candidate, Adeleke in the last election.
Timi of Ede on the other hand is like an extension of the Adelekes family. They are very close. The Adelekes have always been supportive of Oba Munirudeen Lawal in making sure his reign brings about the desired peace and development to Ede town. Like Ataoja, the current Timi of Ede was also installed during the administration of the former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of PDP.
That was the time late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the elder brother of Governor Ademola Adeleke, was representing Osun West at the Senate. So the late Adeleke being a powerful member of PDP and a highly influential son of Edeland played a significant role in the emergence of Oba Munirudeen Lawal as Timi of Ede on January 15, 2008. That explains why the monarch and the Adelekes have remained close over the years. It also explains the loyalty and mutual respect between them.
Whenever the Adelekes are having family function, Timi of Ede must be there and vice versa. At the 15th coronation anniversary of Timi of Ede held recently, Governor Adeleke was chief host and the special guest of honor of the colourful occasion that has in attendance over 50 traditional rulers from across Osun State and beyond.
-Dare Adeniran
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