The Yoruba Socio-Cultural Pathfinder (YSP) has urged traditional rulers across the Yoruba nation to unite in condemning the actions of a self-proclaimed monarch who is causing unrest in Modakeke, Osun State.
The group called for decisive action against the individual, who they say is impersonating a king, spreading discord, and disturbing the public peace.
In a statement signed by its president, Bashorun Ige Ogunjobi, the YSP expressed concern over the erosion of traditional customs and law in Yoruba land, stressing that the region, once known for its adherence to cultural norms, is now being undermined by unlawful elements.
Ogunjobi specifically referenced one Adeyinka Adeshina Obawale, who falsely identifies himself as “Oba Adeyinka Adeshina Obawale, the Oluoje of Ojenpetu,” accusing him of instigating turmoil in Modakeke alongside a group of people he allegedly brought from Kogi State. According to the group, Obawale has been using his fabricated title to unsettle the local community.
“We have followed with great concern the actions of one Adeyinka Adeshina Obawale, who fraudulently refers to himself as a monarch,” Ogunjobi said. “This individual, along with a group from Kogi State, has been causing serious disruption in Modakeke by unlawfully claiming the throne of Ojenpetu.”
The YSP president further urged the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to investigate Obawale’s actions. He emphasized that anyone who seeks to foster instability undermines national security, especially in a time when various levels of government are working to protect citizens.
“How and when did Obawale become a monarch? Who crowned him? These are critical questions that the authorities must address,” Ogunjobi stated, urging a thorough investigation into the legitimacy of Obawale’s claims and actions.
The group also raised concerns about the legitimacy of foreign groups imposing themselves as rulers in communities with established traditional structures.
“Is it normal for individuals from another state to invade a community and appoint their own monarch?” Ogunjobi asked. “Wouldn’t this be a violation of traditional duties, particularly if those people have no connection to the community or no history of being law-abiding citizens?”
Ogunjobi also pointed out that Obawale, who has claimed to be from Ipetumodu, should have chosen his hometown to stir conflict rather than Modakeke. He questioned why Obawale, who allegedly fled Kogi State, would target Modakeke with his fake royal status.
“The situation in Modakeke should not be allowed to escalate further,” Ogunjobi warned. “If Obawale believes he can turn Modakeke into a battleground for his ambitions, he is gravely mistaken.”
The YSP also condemned Obawale’s disrespectful remarks about His Royal Majesty, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Olu Toriola. “If Obawale had any respect for the traditional institutions, he would never insult the Ogunsua or the people of Modakeke,” Ogunjobi said.
The group called on Obawale to cease his disruptive activities and avoid further tarnishing the reputation of the Ogunsua and the community.
“If you allow yourself to be used in this way, you will not benefit from the outcome,” the statement concluded, offering a proverbial warning to the self-proclaimed monarch.
In response, Obawale denied the accusations, claiming that he was the one being targeted. He stated that on May 3, 2025, armed assailants attacked his residence, shooting at him and damaging his property.
He further explained that he was rescued by police officers, and has since left Modakeke. “I am not the one disturbing the peace of Modakeke,” he said.
“It is the community that waged war against me. I was attacked by hoodlums who accused me of being a Fulani, and the matter is currently being investigated by the police.”
Obawale said the police have yet to question the Modakeke community members responsible for the attack, but assured that the case is under investigation by the Commissioner of Police.
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