The people of Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have called on the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, to desist from what they describe as “unwarranted incursion” into their traditional territory and minor chieftaincies.
Speaking on behalf of the Oloba-in-Council, former Commissioner for Transport, Otunba Omoniyi Omodara, said overwhelming historical evidence shows that Oba-Ile is an ancient Yoruba town that predates Akure by several centuries.
The press conference, presided over by the Regent of Oba-Ile, Princess Adefoluke Veronica Agunbiade-Adu, condemned a recent paid advertorial by the Odopetu of Owode, purportedly on behalf of Owode, Araromi, and Eleyowo communities, denying cultural or historical ties to Oba-Ile.

The Oloba-in-Council described the publication as illogical, retrogressive, and borne out of deliberate mischief, accusing the Deji of attempting to extend his authority over Akure North communities, particularly Owode, Araromi, Eleyowo, Ugoba, Isinigbo, Ugbo-Abo, and Ogbese.
Omodara insisted that history and tradition place these areas firmly under the jurisdiction of the Oloba Oodaye, explaining that Oba-Ile’s significance is rooted in its ancient heritage.

“Oba-Ile is an ancient Yoruba settlement that predates Akure by several centuries. Historical records show that the Oloba Oodaye played a key role in installing Obagbeyi Adegite, the first Deji of Akure, who was sent from Oba-Ile alongside seven chiefs — Ejemikin, Ojumu, Osunmo, Ooye, Eyelogun, Oloodan, and Asoga — all of whom are still traditionally installed in Oba-Ile today,” he said.
He added that the Oloba released part of his land to Asodeboyede, the farmer who later became the first king of Akure, and that boundaries between the two communities were established at Ala River (Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School) and Mojo Oba (Mummy’s Place).
Omodara further traced the origins of several surrounding communities to Oba-Ile settlers, citing Owode, Araromi, and Eleyowo as examples of settlements founded by descendants of the Sao family of Oba-Ile.
The Oloba-in-Council rejected what it called “territorial expansionism” by the Deji, likening it to the exploits of Alexander the Great.
They warned that such attempts could trigger conflict, stressing that the Oloba, as the prescribed authority for Akure North, holds exclusive traditional rights over the disputed areas, a position they say is backed by historical records, government policy, and past legal decisions.
The Council recalled several instances of solidarity extended to Akure in times of crisis, including protecting past Dejis during wars, assisting in inter-community disputes, and accommodating Akure settlers on Oba-Ile farmlands.
“Oba-Ile land cannot be ceded to anyone for any reason. The Oloba Oodaye and the Oba-Ile community predate both Akure and its monarch. By history and tradition, the Oloba is second to none in Yoruba land,” Omodara declared.