Palace Rejects ‘Molebi of Gbobamu’ Publication, Reaffirms Olobu’s Authority

The Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan, JP II, the Olobu of Ilobuland, has rejected a publication by a group identifying itself as the “Molebi of Gbobamu,” describing it as false, misleading, and capable of causing disunity within the community.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olobu, Obey Abdulbasit Adewale, the Palace accused the group of attempting to mislead the public, incite discord, and undermine the authority of the traditional institution of the Olobu.

The Palace noted that the group had acknowledged in its publication that the Olobu has the traditional authority to install and recognise chiefs in Ilobuland, arguing that such authority cannot be questioned after being previously accepted during the installation of a former chief.

It maintained that the monarch, as the prescribed traditional authority, has the customary power to discipline, suspend, remove, or replace subordinate chiefs whose actions are considered inconsistent with the customs, traditions, and peace of Ilobuland.

The statement described calls for the reinstatement of the removed chief as an attempt to promote disorder, warning that such actions could threaten peace and stability in Gbobamu and the wider Ilobuland community.

The Palace also criticised the media platform that published the statement, accusing it of promoting falsehood, sensationalism, and divisive narratives rather than upholding professional standards.

Reaffirming the commitment of Oba Olaniyan to justice, fairness, peace, and the preservation of Ilobuland’s customs and traditions, the Palace said the monarch would not be distracted by what it described as propaganda and attempts to weaken the traditional institution.

It further alleged that some individuals mentioned as supporters of the publication were unaware of the claims attributed to them, describing the development as an act of impersonation.

The Palace urged residents of Ilobuland and members of the public to disregard the publication, while calling on all sons and daughters of Ilobu to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and respectful of the constituted traditional authority of the Olobu.