Leadership Dispute: Chief Reported Missing in Osun Amidst Tensions Over Kingship Selection

A prominent traditional leader, known as Baba Olu-Ode, has been reported missing amid an escalating leadership crisis in Ido-Osun, a community in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State.

Community sources revealed that Baba Olu-Ode’s disappearance on Wednesday has heightened fears over the volatile kingship dispute that has divided the community.

“The situation has turned dangerous,” a local leader shared. “The police are targeting everyone involved. As we speak, Baba Olu-Ode’s whereabouts are unknown. We suspect he might have been taken away, especially since Otun Balogun remains in detention.”

Reports indicate that the crisis began after the passing of Oba Aderemi Adedapo on May 17, 2024, leaving the Olojudo throne vacant. Oba Adedapo was a respected figure who served as Secretary of the Yoruba Council of Obas until his demise.

Tensions have escalated following the arrest of Chief Rasheed Odeyemi, the Otun Balogun of Ido-Osun. Community members allege that the Nigerian Police Force, under the directive of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, is pressuring kingmakers to favor Superintendent Jokotola Yinka, a senior officer, as the next Oba.

Sources claim that the police are intimidating traditional leaders into supporting Jokotola’s candidacy, bypassing the established selection process. Chief Odeyemi’s arrest, reportedly carried out on Thursday, has drawn widespread criticism from the community.

“He was detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Alagbon, Lagos. We were told a petition was filed against him, but no copy of the petition has been shown to us,” said a source close to the matter.

Local youth under the Ido-Osun Youths Forum (IYF) have condemned what they describe as unlawful interference by the police. In a statement signed by President Prince Adeyeye Abass and Secretary Akano Kamorudeen, the group called for due process in selecting the next monarch, free from external influence.

“The arrest of Chief Odeyemi and threats to other kingmakers undermine the community’s autonomy and traditional protocols,” the statement read.

The controversy continues to fuel unrest in Ido-Osun, with residents calling for transparency and fairness in resolving the kingship dispute.