Crown Rivalry: Ataoja, Oluwo Fight Over Who Ranks Higher In Osun Obas’ Council

A supremacy tussle is unfolding within the Osun State Council of Obas as the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, clash over who rightfully holds the fourth position in the state’s traditional hierarchy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

What began as a palace matter has spilled into the public arena, with supporters of both monarchs sparring on social media.

The Ataoja’s loyalists argue that Osogbo’s status as the state capital automatically confers a higher ranking, insisting that the Ataoja’s stool must not be relegated. In contrast, the Oluwo’s camp counters that Iwo’s throne is far more ancient, rooted in deep ancestral heritage, and therefore outranks Osogbo.

The dispute resurfaced when Oba Oyetunji, during his 15th coronation anniversary lecture at Osun State University, revisited the hierarchy issue. He insisted that the Ataoja traditionally occupies the fourth spot—a position he claims was wrongly ceded to the Oluwo during the reign of his predecessor, Oba Iyiola Matanmi III.

“I am not fighting any monarch,” the Ataoja declared, “but Osogbo’s throne is number four in Osun State. That seat was historically ours before it was handed over in error.”

In response, the Oluwo, through his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, dismissed the Ataoja’s claim as a distortion of history. He argued that the Oluwo’s crown flows directly from Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, while describing the Ataoja’s crown as a relatively recent creation.

“As far as we know, Ataoja was a Baale until 1948,” the Oluwo asserted. “His crown was politically influenced in 1976. The Oluwo’s beaded crown is ageless and authentic.”

The rift has reportedly spilled into the council’s chambers, with eyewitnesses recounting how a recent meeting was disrupted when both monarchs disagreed over who should preside in the absence of senior royals. The matter was later settled by the Ooni of Ife.

While the Ataoja maintains that his position is rooted in Osun’s historical recognition as state capital, the Oluwo’s supporters have called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene, demanding that the Ataoja withdraw his claim and tender an apology.

Amid rising tensions, prominent voices, including the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Justice Moshood Adeigbe (retd.), have appealed for restraint, urging reconciliation to prevent the conflict from destabilising peace in the state.

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