The royal families of Osogbo have strongly condemned the omission of the name “Osogbo” from the signage at the entrance of the Osun State Government Secretariat, describing the development as a deliberate attempt to diminish the identity and historical status of Osogbo as the capital of Osun State.
In a letter to Governor Ademola Adeleke through their counsel, Apex Solicitors, the heads of the three recognised ruling houses in Osogbo – Prince Samuel Agboola Adejobi of the Sogbodede Ruling House, Prince Mustafa Olugbeja of the Matanmi Ruling House, and Prince Oyeniyi Yekini of the Lahanmi Ruling House – called on the Governor to immediately direct the correction of all official inscriptions and descriptions relating to the Government Secretariat to reflect Osogbo.
The royal families expressed concern that the omission of Osogbo from the Secretariat signage was not inadvertent but a calculated act capable of creating the erroneous impression that the seat of government is located elsewhere.
According to them, all historical records, legal instruments, official documents, and geographical facts unequivocally establish that the Osun State Government Secretariat is situated in Osogbo, the constitutionally recognised capital of Osun State.
“The deliberate exclusion of Osogbo from the official signage at the State Secretariat is misleading, provocative, and unacceptable. It amounts to an attempt to deny an established historical and legal reality,” the royal families stated.
They argued that the omission was capable of causing unnecessary tension and undermining the collective heritage and identity of the people of Osogbo.
“It is beyond dispute that Osogbo is the capital city of Osun State and the headquarters of government administration. Any official inscription or description that seeks to obscure or diminish this fact cannot be justified,” they Royal families said.
The royal families further noted that the Government Secretariat houses the Office of the Governor as well as key ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals of the Osun State Government, making it imperative that all official references to the complex accurately reflect its location in Osogbo.
They urged Governor Adeleke to take immediate steps to prevent what they described as a dangerous distortion of historical and constitutional facts.
“We respectfully call on His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, to direct that all inscriptions, official descriptions, written addresses, publications, correspondence, announcements, and references by the Osun State Government and its agencies concerning the Government Secretariat must expressly include Osogbo as part of its proper designation.”
The royal families maintained that such action would not only uphold historical truth and constitutional propriety but would also promote unity, fairness, and respect among all communities in Osun State.
They reiterated that the status of Osogbo as the capital of Osun State is settled, non-negotiable, and supported by law, history, and administrative practice.
END
Photo of entrance of Osun State Government Secretariat attached
