The Owa of Igbajo in Osun State, Oba Ademola Makinde, has dismissed rumours of his death, explaining that it was the immediate past monarch, Prince Adegboyega Famodun, who recently passed away.
The clarification was issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Traditional Secretary of the Igbajo Royal Court, Gbonjubola Olorunnisola.
He said the false report triggered numerous phone calls and visits from concerned members of the public seeking confirmation of the monarch’s wellbeing.
Olorunnisola noted that a legal dispute between Oba Makinde and the late Famodun who was sometimes referred to as Owa of Igbajo by some media outlets remains before the courts.
He added that although the palace mourns Famodun’s death, it is essential to correct the public record.
According to him, the substantive appeal against an Ile-Ife High Court judgment is currently before the Court of Appeal in Akure, with a related stay of execution motion yet to be heard. Both parties last appeared in court on November 13, and the matter was adjourned to January 2026.
“The incumbent Owa of Igbajo, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde Onigemo I, is very much alive,” he stressed.
The palace condemned the misleading reports circulating online and in traditional media, noting that the misinformation caused distress and led many Nigerians to contact or visit the palace in person.
While reaffirming Oba Makinde’s recognised status as Owa of Igbajo, the palace expressed deep sorrow over the death of Prince Philip Adegboyega Famodun, describing him as an “irreplaceable son of Igbajo” who made significant contributions to the community and to politics.
The Gbeleru Royal Family announced Famodun’s death on Sunday through a statement by his son, David Famodun.
The former APC chieftain died on November 28 at the age of 67 following a brief illness. Installed as Owa of Igbajo by former governor Gboyega Oyetola, he was removed in 2022 by Governor Ademola Adeleke, after which the state government approved Oba Makinde’s appointment in March 2024. The legal contest over the throne is still ongoing.
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