By Our Correspondent In Abeokuta
The Olu of Orile-Ilawo, Oba Alexander MacGregor, has firmly dismissed rumors of discord with the Osile of Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, attributing such claims to mischief-makers intent on exploiting community lands for personal gain. The traditional ruler clarified that any perception of tension is a fabrication by those attempting to undermine Ilawo’s customs and traditions.
“The idea that I am at odds with the Osile is baseless,” Oba MacGregor stated. “These rumors come from those who wish to sell off lands belonging to six communities and erase our cultural heritage.”
This clarification follows Oba MacGregor’s recent suspension of ten chiefs within his kingdom. The chiefs were relieved of their duties due to alleged insubordination, disloyalty, and the unauthorized sale of over 2,600 hectares of communal land. Oba MacGregor emphasized his responsibility as the custodian of Ilawo’s traditions, asserting that he will not tolerate actions that could jeopardize the future of Ilawo’s cultural identity.
“I am the sole custodian of Ilawo’s customs, culture, and traditions,” he declared. “The suspended chiefs answer to Ilawo, not to any other community. Seeking refuge with other authorities will not shield them from accountability.”
Reflecting on the historical context, Oba MacGregor explained the unique structure of Oke-Ona—a union formed in the 1840s by independent communities, including Ilawo. “This union is a loose association; each community within it maintains its own traditions,” he explained. “My chiefs are bound by Ilawo customs, and any divergence from that is unacceptable.”
Oba MacGregor further condemned the alleged actions of the suspended chiefs, stating that their unauthorized land dealings have harmed Ilawo’s native villages. “These individuals have devastated over six villages in Ilawo through deceitful acts,” he said. “It is my duty to prevent further destruction of my ancestral land and preserve our community.”
The king, a former professor of biopharmaceutics, also defended his right to suspend the chiefs, noting that traditional titles do not grant authority to infringe upon a community’s autonomy. “A chief’s primary duty is loyalty and obedience to the king,” he asserted. “Their actions, especially after my ascension, have not only continued but escalated in disregard for Ilawo’s welfare.”
Addressing claims that the suspended chiefs were established before his reign, Oba MacGregor explained, “The Osile was once a prescribed authority during Ilawo’s interregnum, a limited role granted when a community lacks a king. With my emergence as king, that temporary authority ended, and I now hold full autonomy in Ilawo.”
Oba MacGregor concluded by stating that the suspension stands indefinitely. “If they disagree with my decision, they are free to seek legal adjudication. But if they wish to discuss reinstatement, they must come to the Ilawo palace, not another’s,” he insisted.
“This is about protecting Ilawo from erasure,” he declared. “I cannot sit idle while a few individuals dismantle our community. I have a duty to stop this cultural genocide.”