The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, has removed High Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi as the Oba-Odo of Ilesa over the alleged theft of two community-owned transformers.
According to a statement personally signed by the paramount ruler and released on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the decision followed the chief’s failure to return the two missing transformers despite several ultimatums from the palace and a resolution by the Committee on Chieftaincy Disputes and Sundry Matters.
The monarch said the transformers, a 300KVA and a 500KVA, were taken in 2023 from their installation points at the Post Office in Atakumosa Market during the reign of the late Owa Obokun, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, who had also rebuked Chief Gbadamosi for the act and demanded their return.
Community leaders, including the Iyaloja of Atakumosa Market, Chief Mrs. Awe, and the Youth Leader of Araromi Community, testified before the committee, alleging that Gbadamosi removed the transformers at night and attempted to induce them with monetary offers to cover up the act.
Upon questioning, Chief Gbadamosi reportedly admitted to selling the 300KVA transformer for ₦120,000 and using the proceeds to transport the second transformer to Ibadan for repairs.
The committee gave him 30 days to retrieve and return both transformers, but he allegedly failed to comply.
Following his continued refusal, the Owa Obokun gave Gbadamosi an additional seven days to act. When the chief still failed to meet the deadline, the monarch ordered his removal from office.
“Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi shall henceforth cease to be referred to as Oba-Odo of Ilesa,” the statement read. “He should immediately vacate the chieftaincy house, which shall remain under lock and key.
“Members of the public are hereby informed not to address or deal with Mr. Busuyi Gbadamosi as the Oba-Odo of Ilesa.”
The monarch stressed that the decision was taken “to preserve the culture and tradition of Ijesaland” and to serve as a deterrent to acts unbecoming of a high chief.
Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed Gbadamosi’s arrest in connection with the missing transformers. He is currently under investigation.
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