The Asiwaju of Orile Imo, Chief Olakunle Olalekan Joseph, has firmly rejected his suspension by Chief Reuben Shogaolu Oluwanbe, describing it as illegitimate, baseless, and without authority.
Speaking at a press conference in Orile Imo on Tuesday, Chief Joseph argued that Chief Shogaolu has no legal or traditional power to suspend him, citing the Ogun State Obaship Law of 2001 and his valid appointment by the late Olu of Orile Imo in 2018.
He further questioned Chief Shogaolu’s credibility, pointing to pending court cases against him and noting that Shogaolu’s own claim to the Obaship remains unvalidated by the courts.
> “If we count 50 developments in Orile Imo, I can boldly say 45 of them came through my efforts. I am only developing the town, not destroying its image. I remain well recognized by the entire community,” Chief Joseph declared.
He stressed that only the Orile Imo Traditional Council, not an individual, has the authority to remove him, dismissing Shogaolu’s action as null and void.
Chief Joseph reaffirmed his legitimacy as the rightful Asiwaju of Orile Imo, urging stakeholders to ignore what he described as a politically motivated suspension. He pledged to continue serving the community with integrity while seeking God’s guidance and protection.
