The Osun Youth Initiative for Good Governance OYIGG has called for the immediate arrest and impeachment of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun following allegations that he threatened a traditional ruler in the state
The demand came after a leaked audio surfaced allegedly featuring Speaker Egbedun issuing threats to the Alasi of Asi in Odo-Otin Local Government Area Oba Oyewale Isaac
Leaked Audio Sparks Outrage
In a statement signed by the group’s National Convener Dr Akande Adeyemi and made available to journalists OYIGG urged the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of the Department of State Services DSS to immediately investigate the audio and prosecute the Speaker if found guilty
According to Dr Adeyemi
“The threat represents a serious breach of democratic principles and a blatant act of intimidation against traditional authority This is unacceptable in a democratic society”
He noted that the alleged conduct has triggered widespread condemnation across Osun and described it as part of an ongoing pattern of misconduct linked to the Speaker
Previous Allegations Against Egbedun Resurface
The group referenced a previous incident in which Speaker Egbedun was accused of snubbing the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi during a public event
OYIGG said
“No one is above the law This is not just a personal attack on a royal father but a threat to our democratic and cultural institutions The Speaker must be held accountable for his words and actions”
Dr Adeyemi added
“Power is transient We urge Egbedun to reflect on his behaviour before further damaging his political reputation and the traditional values of the Osun people”
Accusations of Suppression of Traditional Rulers
The group also warned the state government against interference in the matter claiming that there were ongoing efforts to silence traditional rulers
“We are aware that the state government is trying to shut the state traditional rulers threatening monarchs with dethronement” the statement alleged
OYIGG further stated
“We demand for the Speaker’s impeachment and call on relevant security agencies to swiftly take action in the interest of justice and good governance”
NNPP Chairman Urges Speaker to Resign
Joining the call for accountability Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP in Osun State Dr Tosin Odeyemi demanded that Speaker Egbedun resign over the incident
Dr Odeyemi described the Speaker’s alleged remarks as shameful and embarrassing
“My thoughts when I first listened to the audio was that his phone was cloned But when I read his response this morning where he admitted to having been the one I was surprised” he said
He criticised the Speaker’s choice of words and added
“No matter the provocation Egbedun should have used proper channels to lodge a complaint rather than resorting to insolent and childish acts”
As a Yoruba man Odeyemi argued Egbedun should have shown respect for the royal throne
“He is ruining the chances of youth not only in Osun State but in Nigeria Such behaviour could erode public trust in younger leaders” he warned
He urged political stakeholders to take a stand
“The honourable thing for Egbedun to do now is to step aside He hasn’t shown any sign of remorse Leaders of thoughts should rise fast and lend their voices to this call Osun belongs to all of us”
Traditional Ruler Files Police Petition
In a formal petition submitted to the Zone XI Police Command in Osogbo Oba Oyewale Isaac accused the Speaker of threatening to kill him strip him of his crown and have him remanded in the Ilesa Correctional Centre
Speaker Denies Allegations
Reacting to the public outcry Speaker Adewale Egbedun issued a statement denying the accusations He claimed the monarch attempted to intimidate him and interfere with an ongoing police investigation
He however maintained
“I hold the traditional institution in high regard”
This controversy comes at a time when tensions between political actors and traditional rulers in Osun appear to be escalating Civil society groups have raised alarms over what they describe as creeping disregard for cultural institutions and growing intolerance from elected officials The coming days may see further political fallout as calls for accountability continue to intensify
