Ataoja Oluwo seniority clash Osun
Fresh tension has gripped Osun State’s Council of Traditional Rulers as two prominent monarchs — the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi — reportedly clashed over questions of seniority.
The disagreement emerged during a recent council meeting, where deliberations turned heated after both monarchs laid claim to higher ranking within the state’s traditional hierarchy. Sources said the exchange created unease among other rulers, forcing senior council members to intervene.
The Ataoja, regarded historically as the custodian of Osogbo’s royal stool, is said to have challenged the Oluwo’s attempts to assert primacy, while the Oluwo argued that his title and influence extend beyond Iwo land, warranting recognition as senior.
Palace insiders revealed that the lingering rivalry between both rulers has been a recurring issue, often spilling into public discourse and generating debates among their followers.
Observers warn that the council’s inability to resolve the dispute could undermine unity among monarchs in the state, with possible implications for cultural and political harmony.
The Osun State Government is yet to issue an official response, but calls for mediation are growing from traditional institutions and community stakeholders.
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