Aresaadu of Iresaadu, in Oyo State, Oba Abraham Adeyeye Oyerinde
The Aresaadu of Iresaadu, in Oyo State, Oba Abraham Adeyeye Oyerinde, has raised an alarm on an alleged unlawful plot by some powerful forces to dethrone him and install a parallel oba.
Making a desperate appeal to the Oyo State Government, he said powerful forces are trying to force him off the throne he has occupied for seven years and install another man in his place.
Oba Oyerinde, who was crowned in 2019 by the departed Governor Abiola Ajimobi, in a passionate letter to Acting Governor Adebayo Lawal, cried out: “Please, do not let my stool be desecrated while I am still alive.”
—“They Want To Crown Another King Behind Me”—
He alleged that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Commissioner Ademola Ojo, has secretly ordered the Chairman of Surulere Local Government to begin picking a new Aresaadu.
According to him, meetings are already ongoing between the council chairman and the Emiolu Ruling House to nominate what he called a “parallel Aresaadu.”
“The Ministry has just issued a fresh letter in September 2026 to the Chairman of Surulere Local Government directing him to instruct Emiolu Ruling House to nominate a candidate for appointment as a parallel Aresaadu while I am still on the throne,” the monarch wrote.
To Oba Oyerinde, it is not just politics. It is an erasure of his history, his lineage, and his dignity.
—“I Was Installed By Ajimobi. My Stool Is Not Vacant”—
The Aresaadu reminded the government of how he came to the throne.
He said he was nominated by the Osunbiyi Ruling House and screened by government-appointed kingmakers. His appointment was later approved and sealed by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who personally presented him with the staff and instrument of office in May 2019.
“There is no court judgment, no declaration that my stool is vacant. So on what basis do they want to bring another king?” he asked.
For the traditional ruler, the move feels like betrayal — seven years after being crowned, celebrated, and accepted by his people.
—“This Will Throw Iresaadu Into Confusion”—
Oba Oyerinde warned that allowing two people to lay claim to the Aresaadu stool would set Iresaadu on fire.
He urged the Acting Governor to intervene immediately and order the Commissioner to withdraw the directive.
“Your Excellency, please prevail on the ministry to stop this process. If you allow it to continue, you will be creating confusion and undermining the sanctity of our traditional institution,” he pleaded.
The monarch stressed that he is not fighting any ruling house, but fighting for justice, tradition, and the rule of law.
—A Palace Under Siege—
In Iresaadu, tension is rising. Elders say the town has never witnessed two kings at the same time. Youths are asking questions. Chiefs are watching closely.
For now, Oba Oyerinde sits on the throne — but with the weight of uncertainty hanging over his palace.
He ended his letter with one simple request: “Suspend any action aimed at installing another person until the issues surrounding my position are properly resolved.”
The Oyo State Government has yet to officially respond.
