Baale Isiaka Akinpelu, Special Assistant on Chieftaincy Matters to the Olubadan of Ibadan, has accused former lawmaker, Senator Kola Balogun of orchestrating a cyber attack and attempting to tarnish his reputation over recent chieftaincy disputes.
In a strongly worded statement, Akinpelu, who also a former Personal Assistant on Chieftaincy Matters to late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, refuted claims made in Balogun’s publication, alleging that the former senator sought to exert undue influence over Ibadan’s traditional institutions.
He further slammed Balogun of fostering division within the Alli Iwo ruling house by installing parallel Mogajis.
Akinpelu, who resigned from his role under Oba Lekan Balogun, maintained that his decision was to protect his integrity and uphold Ibadan’s chieftaincy traditions. He has now demanded a public apology and retraction from Balogun.
Read the full statement below:
SETTING THE RECORDS STAIGHT : MY RESPONSE TO FORMER SEN. KOLA BALOGUN
I’d like to address the recent cyber attack and bullying I’ve faced on social media, orchestrated by Former Senator Kola Balogun.
His release, titled “Failed Installation of Mogaji Sparks Outrage as Alli Iwo Ruling House Condemns Sabotage, contains two major issues that I’d like to clarify.
Firstly, Senator Kola Balogun’s deliberate attempt to bring me into disrepute is unacceptable.
I recall that Late Oba Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, Senator Kola Balogun’s biological brother, appointed me as his personal Assistant on Chieftaincy Matters. My appointment letter tasked me with sanitizing the many abnormalities and irregularities in the palace and Ibadan Traditional Chieftaincy affairs, given my decade-long experience in the system.
Upon assuming office, I successfully corrected some of these abnormalities, which did not go well with former lawmaker Senator Kola Balogun. He began parading himself as Olubadan de-facto, claiming he was ruling while his brother Oba Lekan Balogun was reigning. This was a clear attempt to frustrate my efforts to sanitize the system.
Senator Kola Balogun also formed a group called Olubadan G5, comprising Alli Iwo boys, to torment anyone with opinions different from his own. To protect my integrity and long-standing relationship with Oba Lekan Balogun, I resigned my appointment, citing my reasons. However, Former Senator Kola Balogun quickly claimed I was sacked, without stating any offence committed.
I’d like to highlight some of the atrocities committed by Senator Kola Balogun after my resignation:
Atere Compound Dispute
Senator Kola Balogun’s actions led to the installation of two Mogajis, causing chaos and disunity within the family. He orchestrated the ugly incidents that embarrassed Ibadan land, including the installation of Mogajis on Saturdays-
Thuggery
Former Senator Kola Balogun’s actions led to thugs being brought into the palace, causing harm to innocent guests and turning the palace into a battleground like it happened on 15th January , 2024.
I hope this clarifications and many more set the record straight and exposes Former Senator Kola Balogun’s attempts to sabotage my reputation and the traditional institutions of Ibadan.
I remain committed to upholding the truth and integrity.
I am compelled to respond to the recent publication by him [Senator Kola Balogun] which showcases his lack of understanding of the Ibadan Chieftaincy system’s procedures, particularly regarding the installation of Mogaji Alli Iwo ruling house.
His statement also reveals a vendetta mindset, as evidenced by his derogatory reference to me as a mere special assistant, which is a clear attempt to disparage the office of His Imperial Majesty.
As a former legislator, I remind him of his sworn obligation to uphold the fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which includes the right to dignity and respect.
In light of this, I demand a widely published, unreserved apology and retraction of his cyber bullying actions against me.
I also put it on record that there is no evidence to suggest that I have ever sabotaged the appointment or installation of Mogaji Alli Iwo ruling house.
CHIEF ISIAKA AKINPELU, BAALE JAGUN
SA TO OLUBADAN ON CHIEFTANCY MATTERS
