The government said the power to appoint, suspend or depose a recognised Part II chieftaincy holder rested exclusively with the state governor under the provisions of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated this in a press release dated October 23, 2026, describing the purported removal as an aberration and an action unknown to the existing law governing traditional council operations in the state.
Ojo cited Section 26(1) of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, as the legal basis for the government’s position.
He maintained that Oba Olaoye lacked the legal authority to remove Balogun, whom he identified as a recognised Part II chieftaincy holder.
“In the light of this, Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun is the duly recognised Balogun of Ogbomoso land,” the commissioner said.
The government urged members of the public to disregard reports or claims suggesting that Balogun had been removed from office.
The statement comes amid reports concerning the traditional title, with the state government insisting that any action relating to the appointment, suspension or deposition of a recognised Part II chief must comply with the provisions of the state’s chieftaincy law.
