- Safiu Kehinde
The paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has removed Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi as the Oba-Odo of Ilesa over transformer theft scandal.
Gbadamosi was alleged to have illegally removed two transformers, 300KVA and 500KVA, from the post office in Atakumosa market, Ilesa, sometime in 2023 during the reign of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II.
As contained in a statement issued by Chief Shola Osshunkeye, on behalf of the palace, efforts by the late Oba Adekunle to ensure Gbadamosi return the transformers reportedly proved abortive.
The palace recalled how the previous Owa had vehemently rebuked Chief Gbadamosi for allegedly carting away the two transformers which served several communities namely Araromi, Adeti, Palace and Odo Osunmu.
However, following his ascension to the throne, Oba Haastrup was said to have set up a Committee on Resolution of Chieftaincy Disputes, Land and Sundry Matters.
According to reoprts, among the petitions received by the committee was one written and submitted by members of the above-mentioned communities against Chief Gbadamosi.
He was accused of illegally and unlawfully removing the said transformers.
In reaction, the Palace invited Gbadamosi to appear before the committee to state his side of the story and explain the whereabouts of the two transformers.
During the committee’s sitting, the Iyaloja of Atakumosa market, Chief Mrs. Awe and the youth leader of Araromi community testified against him.
The Iyaloja recounted how Chief Gbadamosi allegedly sent two emissaries to her, asking her to append her signature to a document confirming the sale of the two transformers and that, in return, he would give her N750,000.00 (Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) from the proceeds of the sale.
While Mrs. Awe claimed to have rejected the offer and declined to sign the documents; the youth leader also gave evidence against Chief Gbadamosi.
He alleged that Chief Gbadamosi brought a Hiab truck in the night to remove the transformers and that he was offered money by the chief which he equally rejected.
When asked on the whereabouts of the two transformers, Gbadamosi confessed that he had sold one of them, specifically the one of 300KVA, for N120,000,
He disclosed that he used the proceed to transport the second transformer (500KVA) to Ibadan, Oyo State, for repairs.
Upon his confession, the committee gave Chief Gbadamosi 30 days ultimatum to retrieve the two transformers and return them to where they were previously installed at the post office.
His inability to provide the transformers within the stipulated time led to the committees report of the case to Oba Haastrup who gave Chief Gbadamosi additional one week to retrieve and return the two transformers.
Having failed again to retrieve the transformers, the Owa Obokun ordered his removal with immediate effect.
He advised the public “not to deal with or call Gbadamosi as the Oba-Odo of Ilesa.”