Oyo monarch appeals to Governor Makinde over withheld entitlements

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Aresaadu of Iresaadu in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Abraham Olafimihan Adeyeye Oyerinde, has appealed to Oyo Sate Governor, Seyi Makinde, to approve the release of his outstanding entitlements as the recognized traditional ruler of the community.

He said the delay has hindered his ability to perform the responsibilities attached to his office. Addressing journalists in Ibadan through his counsel, Barrister Stephen Raji, the monarch urged the governor to investigate and sanction anyone allegedly responsible for withholding his recognition and entitlements or attempting to install another individual as a parallel Aresaadu while he remains the substantive occupant of the stool.

Raji appealed to the governor to facilitate the approval and release of all entitlements and official paraphernalia due to the Aresaadu of Iresaadu. He also called on the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and the chairman of Surulere Local Government to allow Oba Oyerinde perform the functions of his office without interference.

According to the counsel, the governor should direct the immediate withdrawal of a September 2025 letter instructing the Surulere Local Government chairman to commence the process of selecting another Aresaadu on the grounds that a court judgment had nullified Oba Oyerinde’s appointment.

Raji described the claim as false, insisting that no valid court judgment has removed the monarch from office. He argued that the commissioner should rely on official records in the ministry and the governor’s directives rather than external influences.

He warned that creating a parallel traditional ruler would generate confusion and threaten the peace of Iresaadu. He also urged the governor to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter and sanction any government officials found responsible for actions capable of tarnishing the administration’s image.

Oba Oyerinde maintained that he remains the duly recognized Aresaadu of Iresaadu and expressed his readiness to work with the state government to promote the development of Surulere Local Government. He said he was confident the governor’s intervention would restore normalcy, prevent the installation of another monarch and uphold the integrity of the traditional institution.

The monarch further noted that several traditional rulers in Oyo State currently have court cases pending but continue to enjoy official recognition and receive their entitlements until the courts deliver final judgments. He insisted that his case should not be treated differently.