How a domestic controversy ended Oba Adepoju’s five-year reign as Deji of Akure

The history of traditional leadership in Akure Kingdom, Ondo State, includes the controversial reign of Oba Adesina Oluwadare Adepoju, popularly known as Osupa III, whose time on the throne ended abruptly in 2010 following a domestic controversy that triggered government intervention and a prolonged legal battle.

Oba Adepoju, the 45th Deji of Akure, ascended the throne in 2005 as a member of the Osupa Ruling House. His reign, however, lasted only about five years before the administration of former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko approved his removal from the traditional institution.

The controversy that brought his reign to an end centred on an alleged assault involving his estranged wife, Bolanle Adepoju, in June 2010.

The incident that changed his reign

Reports at the time alleged that the monarch physically assaulted his estranged wife during a domestic altercation in Akure, leaving her with serious injuries.

The allegations generated widespread public attention and outrage, particularly because of the traditional ruler’s position as the paramount ruler of Akure Kingdom.

Oba Adepoju denied the allegations. Nevertheless, the controversy attracted the attention of the Ondo State Government, which subsequently initiated action against him.

On June 10, 2010, the State Executive Council approved his dethronement, citing Sections 17(1) and 17(2) of the Ondo State Chiefs Law 1984, as amended.

The government accused the monarch of conducting himself in a manner considered disgraceful and bringing the traditional institution into disrepute.

READ ALSO; Nigeria, US, UK crack down on West African cybercrime networks, arrest 28

Following the decision, he was also banished from Akure for an initial period of six months.

A legal battle to reclaim the throne

Oba Adepoju refused to accept the government’s decision and immediately began a legal battle to challenge his removal.

On June 16, 2010, he approached the Akure High Court, questioning the legality of his dethronement and seeking an order for his reinstatement.

He also demanded N10 billion in damages from the state government, arguing that his removal was unlawful and that he had not been given an opportunity to defend himself before the decision was taken.

The legal dispute continued for years, but his efforts ultimately did not result in his return to the throne.

His removal marked the end of a turbulent chapter in the history of the Deji of Akure stool.

The succession that followed

Following Oba Adepoju’s dethronement, Oba Adebiyi Adesida emerged as the 46th Deji of Akure in 2010.

However, Oba Adesida’s reign also came to an end following his death on December 1, 2013.

His daughter, Princess Adetutu Adesida, subsequently served as regent while the kingdom awaited the emergence of another monarch.

In 2015, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi was installed as the 47th Deji of Akure, succeeding the late Oba Adesida.

More than 11 years after losing his position as Deji of Akure, Oba Adepoju died on January 27, 2022, at a private hospital in Abuja following a brief illness.

His death was announced by Prince Dapo Adepoju, spokesman for the Adesina Royal Family of the Osupa Ruling House.

In its tribute, the royal family recalled some of his contributions during his brief reign, including efforts to recover the Ilula Recreation Centre for Akure, introduce market price controls and promote security across the kingdom.

Although his time on the throne was relatively short, Oba Adepoju’s reign remains a notable episode in Akure’s traditional history.

His removal in 2010, the circumstances surrounding the decision and his unsuccessful legal battle to reclaim the throne continue to form part of the story of a monarch whose reign ended almost as unexpectedly as it began.