The Orunda of Olorunda, Oba Joshua Olusegun Phillips-Ogunsola, has condemned the recent call by the Omala of Imala, Oba Moses Adegboyega Adelani Olabode, for the Ogun State Government to revoke his installation, describing it as baseless and disrespectful.
In a strongly worded statement issued by his Personal Secretary, Mr. Tajudeen Tinubu, the monarch, expressed dismay over Obama’s remarks in a March 25, 2025, press release.
He accused the Omala of Imala of deliberate misinformation regarding the historical ownership and settlement of Olorunda township.
“The assertion that His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, was misled in his decision to install the Orunda of Olorunda, and that it constituted ‘executive recklessness,’ is not only disrespectful but also an insult to the office of the governor and the Ogun State Executive Council,” the statement read.
Oba Phillips-Ogunsola further stated that Omala’s claim that Olorunda is a Yewa community and that his father was a visitor to Keesan Orile before settling in Olorunda is a complete falsehood.
Citing historical records, he explained that Olorunda was founded by Seriki Sowumilola Sokenu of Ijeun Abeokuta following the Owiwi War of 1833.
He referenced A.K. Ajisafe’s historical text, Iwe Itan Abeokuta, which details how the Egbas subdued Imala and surrounding areas in the early 19th century.
The Orunda of Olorunda also provided historical context to counter Omala’s claims, stating that the settlement had been under Egba authority since colonial times.
“Olorunda was once the headquarters of one of the seven districts into which Egba Division was subdivided in 1917 for taxation purposes, with the Agura of Gbagura serving as the district head,” he explained.
Furthermore, he accused Omala of disregarding a resolution of the Ogun State House of Assembly (Resolution No. 28/OG/2021), which mandated him to cease interference in Olorunda’s affairs.
He also referenced a 2020 Ogun State High Court ruling in Suit No. AB/07/2015, which dismissed a land ownership claim by the Baale of Keesan Orile.
Oba Phillips-Ogunsola alleged that Omala is attempting to incite violence by mobilizing thugs to Keesan Village to disrupt peace in Olorunda.
He urged the Ogun State Government, security agencies, and the public to be vigilant against any potential breakdown of law and order.
He concluded by calling for Omala to retract his statements and tender an unreserved apology to Governor Abiodun and the Ogun State Executive Council, emphasizing the importance of unity and peace in governance and traditional leadership.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tussle over traditional authority and historical claims in Ogun State, as various factions seek to assert control over local governance structures.
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