*Gov Seyi Makinde (middle), Soun of Ogbomoso ( right) and the Balogun of Ogbomoso ( left).
The Oyo State Government has declared the purported removal of Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun as the Balogun of Ogbomoso illegal, insisting that the authority to depose a recognised chieftaincy titleholder rests exclusively with the state governor.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, said the reported removal of Balogun by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, was contrary to the provisions of the Oyo State Chiefs Law.
It consequently reaffirmed Dr. Balogun’s status as the duly recognised Balogun of Ogbomoso and urged members of the public to disregard reports or claims suggesting that he had been lawfully removed from office.
The state’s position was conveyed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who said the government had taken note of media reports concerning the purported removal.
According to the commissioner, Section 26(1) of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, Cap. 28, 2000, vests the power to appoint, suspend and depose holders of recognised Part II chieftaincy titles exclusively in the state governor.
Ojo explained that, under the existing legal framework, the purported removal of Dr. Balogun by the traditional ruler could not be recognised as a lawful action.
He described the development as inconsistent with the law governing traditional institutions and chieftaincy administration in the state.
The commissioner stressed that the state government’s position was based on the applicable legal provisions regulating the appointment, suspension and removal of recognised traditional titleholders.
“In the light of this, Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun is the duly recognised Balogun of Ogbomoso land,” the statement said.
The government therefore called on the public to disregard the purported removal, reaffirming that Dr. Balogun remained the recognised holder of the title.
The declaration underscores the role of the state government in regulating chieftaincy affairs and determining the legal status of recognised titleholders under the Oyo State Chiefs Law.
It also reinforces the distinction between the traditional authority exercised by monarchs within their domains and the statutory powers assigned to the state government under the law.