The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has indefinitely suspended Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun from the title and office of Balogun of Ogbomosoland over his alleged refusal to sign the prescribed Oath of Allegiance to the throne.
The suspension was conveyed in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by Oba Olaoye, Orumogege III, in which the monarch cited Balogun’s continued failure to fulfil a fundamental requirement attached to his installation.
According to the letter, Balogun’s appointment was granted as an exceptional accommodation following the intervention of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on the understanding that he would execute the required Oath of Allegiance.
“The oath was neither optional nor ceremonial. It was a fundamental requirement for the proper assumption and exercise of the responsibilities and authority attached to the title.”
Oba Olaoye further alleged that despite the understanding reached before his installation, Balogun had failed to sign the oath and had demonstrated no intention of fulfilling the obligation.
“Of even greater concern are your public statements and conduct, particularly the interview in which you threatened to take the stool of the Soun to court. Such pronouncements are deeply regrettable and constitute a grave affront to the dignity of the throne, the sanctity of the Palace, and the institution you were privileged to serve.”
The monarch described the reported threat as an affront to the dignity of the throne and the institution of the Palace, adding that the conduct had brought embarrassment to the traditional institution and undermined its standing.
Consequently, Oba Olaoye directed Balogun to stop presenting himself or acting in any official capacity as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland for the duration of the suspension.
He also barred him from exercising any authority, privilege or responsibility associated with the title, as well as undertaking official engagements, making representations or issuing communications in the name of the office.
The monarch maintained that the traditional institution of Ogbomosoland was founded on respect for constituted authority, adherence to established customs and the fulfilment of obligations attached to traditional titles.
He added that no titleholder should expect to retain the privileges and recognition of an office while persistently rejecting its fundamental requirements.
The suspension letter directed Balogun to comply fully and immediately with the order, which took effect from October 20, 2026.
Meanwhile, a separate letter dated December 1, 2025, shows that Oba Olaoye had earlier reminded Balogun of the requirement to sign the customary Oath of Allegiance before participating fully in the council of Executive Chiefs, known as Ilus.
In the earlier correspondence, the monarch congratulated Balogun on his appointment but stated that he would not be seated among the other Executive Chiefs in the Palace until the oath was formally signed.
The letter urged him to complete the oath-taking process promptly to enable his full integration into the council.
The latest development underscores the disagreement between the Palace and the suspended chief over compliance with the conditions attached to his traditional title.
The letters, however, did not indicate whether Balogun had responded to the suspension or whether he intended to challenge the decision.
