Baale Aaje Ogbomoso chieftaincy dispute: Oyo govt steps in, issues stern directive to council boss
Khalid ABRAHAM
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The Oyo state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters has issued a stern warning to Chief Ademola Ogunmola, a claimant to the stool of Aaje in Ogbomoso North local government area of Oyo state, to stop parading himself as the traditional ruler of the community.
In a letter dated April 17, 2025, addressed to the chairman of Ogbomoso North local government and signed by one Olajire A.M. Director, Chieftaincy Matters, on behalf of the Commissioner, urging action be taken, the ministry, affirmed HRH Chief Reuben Adesina Amao as the recognised and approved Baale of the community.
Urging the council to stop the “misrepresentation and related offenses’ it warns of dire consequences against the perpetuity of the action.
The ministry also observed that the action of Chief Ogunmola is capable of undermining peace and tranquility in the community and directs the local government to immediately redress the situation.
“I am directed to refer to the above subject and request your cooperation in addressing a critical issue concerning the community of Aaje in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area,’ the letter begins.
“It has come to the attention of this Ministry that one Mr. Ademola Ogunmola is continuing to illegally parade himself as the Alaaje of Aje despite the Ministry of Justice letter ref. No: G107/8591/15 dated 10th February, 2021 upholding Chief Adesina Reuben Amao appointment as the rightful titleholder of Alaaje of Aaje. His persistent claims of Mr. Ademola to this title are not only unfounded but also represent a blatant violation of the legal authority recognized by the State Government.
“Mr. Ogunmola’s actions pose a significant threat to the established traditional and legal frameworks and may lead to potential unrest and instability within the community. This letter is to formally conveying a decisive warning to Mr. Ogunmola and be instructed to cease and desist all activities related to his illegal claims to the title of Alaaje of Aaje.
“Should he choose to ignore this warning, the Ministry is prepared to pursue legal action, including civil and criminal charges for misrepresentation and related offenses.
“We trust that you will handle this matter with the seriousness it deserves to uphold the law and support the rightful leaders of your community.”
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Recall that dispute erupted over the chieftaincy position of Alaaje after two rival persons emerged in 2020. Reuben Adesina Amao was installed first by the family following approval by the state government. However, shortly after, Ademola Ogunmola also got installed by the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III the Soun of Ogbomosoland. Since then the two have laid claim to the position with several court cases instituted by the parties. Interestingly, the two claimants are cousins, Reuben Adesina, a retired Assistant Director General of the Department of State Services DSS, the elderly of the two.
