Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has departed Nigeria for a vacation in Europe, but not before leaving a crucial directive behind: an immediate investigation into the disputed kingship of Koka town in the Obokun Local Government Area of the state. The governor's departure and the probe order were announced in a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. Adeleke, who recently secured re-election, is travelling to the United Kingdom and other yet-to-be-announced destinations for a short break, which will also include medical checks. "I am taking a short break to refresh and get further prepared to serve the good people of Osun State," the governor stated before his departure.
The controversy in Koka town, also referred to as Koka-Ilase, centres on the reported appointment of a new monarch while an existing king is already on the throne, raising concerns over the emergence of two claimants to the traditional stool. According to reports, the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, had on Friday installed Dr Omoniyi Yakubu Adebisi as the new Onikoka of Koka-Ogbnse. This development has been met with strong opposition from both the Onikoka of Koka-Ijesa, Oba Amos Operinmade Adejumo, and the Alase of Ilase-Ìjèsà, Oba Jimoh Isiaka, who have reaffirmed the authenticity of Oba Adejumo's claim to the throne. The Alase of Ilase-Ìjèsà noted that the Osun State Government possesses all the documents confirming Koka-Ijesa as part of Ilase-Ìjèsà in Obokun Local Government Area.
In response to the escalating dispute, Governor Adeleke has directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the appointment. The governor's directive, issued before his departure, instructs the ministry to review the situation and enforce due process in accordance with the state's chieftaincy laws and traditions. "I read of another King appointed outside the one on the stool," Adeleke stated. "The ministry is hereby directed to look into the dispute and issue a report to set the records straight." He also urged all stakeholders involved in the dispute to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could escalate tensions while the government carries out its investigation. "Kingship is governed by extant laws and regulations, and the government will stand by the law and tradition of our people," the governor affirmed.
The Koka kingship crisis is the latest in a series of chieftaincy disputes in Osun State, and the governor's intervention reflects his administration's commitment to upholding the rule of law and preventing communal conflicts. As Adeleke enjoys his break in Europe, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is expected to begin its investigation, with the aim of providing clarity on the matter and restoring order to the traditional institution in Koka town.
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