Owa of Ijesaland suspends high chief over alleged theft of transformers

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has suspended the Oba Odo of Ilesa, High Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi, over the alleged theft of two electricity transformers.

The suspension followed Gbadamosi’s arrest by the police in Ilesa, during which he allegedly refused to provide a written statement on the matter.

Residents of the Araromi community had earlier petitioned the Owa’s Panel on Conduct, Chieftaincy Matters, and Boundary Disputes, accusing the high chief of stealing the transformers procured to serve the area.

It was gathered that Oba Haastrup gave Gbadamosi a one-week ultimatum to return the transformers, but he failed to comply, prompting the paramount ruler to take disciplinary action.

Gbadamosi, however, denied the allegation, claiming he only sought to assist the community in repairing the faulty transformers.

A palace source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the chief was detained by the police for failing to return the missing transformers.

The source further disclosed that the Owa Obokun had suspended Gbadamosi from his position as Oba Odo of Ilesa pending the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.