The Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, High Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, has dismissed a viral social media publication claiming he referred to himself as Alaiyeluwa and disowned decisions reached at the Awujale Palace.
Addressing journalists at the Olu Isa’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode, the revered chief described the circulating document as fake, misleading, and damaging to the unity of the Ijebu traditional leadership.
According to High Chief Adesanya, the misinformation was brought to his attention by Mr. Lekan Osisanya, who alerted him to a communique circulating online alleging he contradicted resolutions of the Awujale Interregnum Council. The Olisa, however, said he had not granted any interview since the council’s meeting and could not have issued such a statement.
“I was surprised when Mr. Lekan Osisanya drew my attention to the communique on social media, which falsely claimed I disowned the decisions made at the Awujale Palace recently. This is absolutely untrue,” he said. “I want to state clearly that the communique did not come from me. I disown it.”
He stressed that any publication not bearing his official signature should be treated as fake, insisting that no message or directive from his palace is valid without his authorization.
“The publication is not my handiwork, nor did it emanate from the Olisa Palace. If you see any document that I did not sign, please do not accept it,” he cautioned.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the Awujale Interregnum Council, Chief Adesanya maintained his commitment to the collective decisions made at the Awujale Palace, emphasizing that misinformation would not derail the unity and stability of the traditional institution during this sensitive period.
He also clarified his true title, countering claims that he styled himself as Alaiyeluwa Oba in the viral communique.
“I am the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode and the Head of Ilamuren. At no time have I addressed myself as the ‘Alaiyeluwa Oba’ in any communique circulating on social media,” he stated firmly.
The Olisa’s clarification comes amid heightened public interest surrounding traditional leadership protocols in Ijebuland, as stakeholders continue to guard against misinformation capable of inflaming tensions within the revered institution.
