The affected monarchs are the Alagunbeelewo of Agunbeelewo, Chief Maruf Olayiwola, and the Olu of Irepodun.
Their stools have been downgraded from recognised Part II chieftaincies to minor chieftaincies.
The demotion was conveyed in letters from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs dated November 5. Wale Alliyu signed the letters on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, while the Ataoja of Osogbo was copied.
The letters stated that the State Executive Council, chaired by Adeleke on October 23, approved the de-recognition of the two stools under the Chiefs Law, Cap. 25, Laws of Osun State, 2002. The decision took effect from October 23, 2026.
Part of the letters stated that the stools had reverted to minor chieftaincies under Part III of the Chiefs Law, adding that all rights, privileges and allowances previously enjoyed by the monarchs as recognised chiefs had ceased.
However, Chief Olayiwola said they were punished for associating with members of the APC rather than the Accord Party, which is in power in Osun State.
He said nobody had informed them of their alleged offence, adding that they were only told they were not associating with the Accord Party and had not collected money from anyone.
“It is unfortunate that till now, no one disclosed our offence but we were told that we are not associating with Accord Party and we did not collect money from anyone. We have friends in the APC and cannot deny our relationship with them. I believe that is not enough reason to sack us from the stool,” he said.
He added: “Governor Adeleke should not allow some persons to reduce the office of the governor to that of settling personal grudges for the sake of posterity.”
Meanwhile, a civil society group, the Local Government Development Initiative, LGDI, has criticised the state government over the matter.
Its spokesperson, Adeniyi Faith, while speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, warned the government against politicising traditional institutions.
He said the powers of a state government over traditional institutions were not unlimited, adding that such powers must be exercised in accordance with the law, due process and the right to a fair hearing.
“Governor Adeleke must understand that traditional rulership is not a toy that he can pick up, throw away or manipulate whenever he feels like doing so. The traditional institution is bigger than any political administration, and its dignity must be preserved beyond the tenure of any governor,” he said.