The people of Moro Town in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State on Sunday appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to intervene urgently to prevent a potential communal clash which may arise due to unresolved obaship dispute.
The town has been in the process of installing a new monarch following the death of Oba Ezekiel Oyeniyi in 2024. However, tensions have escalated as claims over the rightful occupant of the throne remain contested.
At a press conference heald at the palace of Olumoro, the Olumoro Chiefs-in-Council, led by High Chief Festus Abidoye, the Oosa, confirmed that the dispute is currently before the Osun State High Court, Ile-Ife.
He said “no individual has the legal or traditional authority to assume the title of Olumoro while the matter is pending before the judiciary”
Chief Abidoye alleged that one Prince Gideon has been parading himself as the Olumoro, describing the act as unacceptable, warning that the act must stop to prevent choas in the town.
He said, “It is pertinent to note that the matter of the Olumoro stool is currently before a competent Court of law. The case is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for early February 2026. As a people known for wisdom and respect for order, we must recognize that once a matter is sub judice, it is no longer subject to personal interpretation or unilateral action.
“Unfortunately, it has come to the attention of the Olumoro Chiefs-in-Council and concerned stakeholders that one of the contestants to the stool, Prince Gideon, is allegedly parading himself as the Olumoro while the case remains unresolved. This development is deeply concerning.”
He warned, “The act of impersonation and interference of Saalu Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Oladepo, can snowball into a communal clash among the contenders of the stool.
“We appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to intervene in this matter and call these two people to order before this result to communal clash.”
In their separate speeches, Odofin of Moro Land, High Chief Oyetunji onigbinde and the Youth Leader, Comrade Jide Abomide urged Adeleke and Ooni to prevail on Salu of Edunabon and prince Gideon Adebayo Oyeyemi who is impersonating as the monarch of the town.
