A royal scandal has rocked Ijesaland as Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi, the Oba-Odo of Ilesa, has been stripped of his title after being found guilty of stealing and selling community-owned transformers.
The Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, announced the decision in a statement, saying Gbadamosi’s actions were “unbecoming of a high chief” and a disgrace to the traditions of Ijesaland.
Investigations revealed that sometime in 2023, Gbadamosi removed two electrical transformers a 300KVA and 500KVA from the Post Office in Atakumosa Market, Ilesa. Witnesses, including the Iyaloja of the market and the Youth Leader of Araromi community, testified that he secretly moved the equipment at night and even attempted to bribe them into backing his actions.
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The embattled chief later confessed to selling one transformer for ₦120,000 and transporting the other to Ibadan, Oyo State, under the guise of repairs. Despite being given several chances by both the late Owa Obokun (Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II) and the current monarch to return the equipment, Gbadamosi failed to do so.
With mounting petitions from affected communities, the palace committee concluded that Gbadamosi’s conduct was fraudulent and damaging to the integrity of the chieftaincy.
As a result, Owa Haastrup ordered his immediate removal, warning the public not to recognise or address him as Oba-Odo of Ilesa. He was also directed to vacate the official chieftaincy residence.
“Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi shall henceforth cease to be referred to as Oba-Odo of Ilesa. He shall also refrain from parading himself as such. He shall immediately vacate the Chieftaincy House. Members of the public are hereby informed not to deal with him in that capacity,” the monarch declared.
The once-respected titleholder has now fallen from grace, leaving his reputation in ruins over a scandal that shocked the ancient town.