The Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has removed High Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi as the Oba-Odo of Ilesa over his alleged unlawful removal and sale of two electric transformers serving several communities in the town.
In a statement issued by the palace and signed by Chief Shola Oshunkeye, FNGE, the monarch announced the immediate sack of Chief Gbadamosi, warning members of the public not to deal with or address him henceforth as the Oba-Odo of Ilesa.
The dethronement followed investigations into petitions by residents of Araromi, Adeti, Palace, and Odo Osunmu communities, who accused Chief Gbadamosi of illegally removing a 300KVA and a 500KVA transformer from the Atakumosa Market Post Office in 2023, during the reign of the late Owa Obokun, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II.
According to testimonies before the Committee on Resolution of Chieftaincy Disputes, Land and Sundry Matters set up by Owa Haastrup, the Iyaloja of Atakumosa Market, Chief Mrs. Awe, revealed that Gbadamosi attempted to bribe her with ₦750,000 to endorse documents legitimizing the sale of the transformers. She refused the offer. Similarly, the Youth Leader of Araromi Community testified that Gbadamosi brought a Hiab truck at night to cart away the equipment and also attempted to induce him with money, which he declined.
During questioning, Chief Gbadamosi confessed to selling one of the transformers (300KVA) for ₦120,000 and claimed he transported the second one (500KVA) to Ibadan for repairs. Despite being given 30 days by the Committee, and later an additional one-week ultimatum from the Paramount Ruler, he failed to return the transformers.
In his pronouncement, Owa Haastrup said:
> “In view of the unlawful, illegal removal, sale and conversion of the proceeds of the two transformers by Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi, and in an effort to preserve the culture and tradition of Ijesaland, I have decided to relieve and remove him as the Oba-Odo of Ilesa with immediate effect. He shall vacate the Chieftaincy House, which will remain under lock and key.”
The monarch stressed that Gbadamosi’s conduct was unbecoming of a high chief and a violation of the trust reposed in him by the people of Ilesa.
