‘My address on Aragbiji Chieftaincy Misconstrued’ – Oba Olabomi clarifies
…says no intents to disrespect Governor Adeleke
The Aragbiji of Iragbiji Oba Abdurasheed Olabomi said his address on the Aragbiji Chieftaincy regarding the decision of the Osun State government to introduce another ruling house was never meant to either disrespect governor Ademola Adeleke or the State Executive Council.
Oba Olabomi made the clarification at a press conference on Sunday in his palace at Iragbiji, Osun State.
The monarch who said he was misquoted on issues noted that he would continue to respect the Governor and the constituted authorities.
“On Friday, January 21, 2025, I addressed the Press on the decision of the State Executive Council on the Aragbiji Chieftaincy. The said address was greatly misconstrued with many insinuating what I never said nor meant.
“For the purpose of clarification, I like to state categorically that I have very high regards for His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the State Executive Council. Hence, I could not have contemplated disrespecting the constituted authority,” Oba Olabomi said.
While stressing that his respect for the governor dates back to the inception of his administration, the Aragbiji called on the people to avoid spreading false narratives.
He said “On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, my Governor was in Iragbiji and I accorded him the best of regards. Similarly, about two months ago, we met at the Muritala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, and I equally gave His Excellency the best of regards after which I saw him off to take his Abuja bound flight.
“Sequel to his swearing-in as the new Governor of the State, I personally bought his official portrait not minding the fact that it wasn’t sent to me officially, and when you enter my Palace, you will see Governor Ademola Adeleke’s bust conspicuously placed.
“I have very close relationship with many members of the State Executive Council, and I have never failed to give them high regards. For the past seventeen years that I have been enthroned as the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, I have been committed to the pursuit and maintenance of peace in my domain as well as in other parts of the State. I can therefore, never incite members of the public against the Executive Governor of my State nor the members of the State Executive Council.”
In spite the misinterpretation of the address, Oba Olabomi however maintained that he only exercised freedom to express views on the issue affecting the town.
He pleaded with the State government to consider his appeal on the Aragbiji chieftaincy in the interest of peace and stability.
“I am aware that my media address on Friday has been greatly misconstrued. However, it was an expression made in line with the spirit of democracy which allows ventilation of views on issues affecting individuals and groups, but certainly not intended to attack personalities or institutions, especially our Governor, nor the State Executive Council.
“I like to, again, passionately appeal to His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke and the State Executive Council, to kindly reconsider their stand on the Aragbiji Chieftaincy. I never have the intention to disrespect our Governor nor the State Executive Council and will never do so.
“May I use this medium to appeal to everyone making comments on the social media to exercise restraints, so as not to create a wrong impression of my position as well as that of the Four Ruling Houses of Ajibode, Osungbemi, Arowodoye and Ogunmolu in Iragbiji, he stated.
