By Erewunmi Peace

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, is currently facing intense public scrutiny and political backlash after he was accused of threatening the life of a traditional ruler, Oba Olasunkanmi Oyewale, the Alasi of Asi.

A leaked voice recording that surfaced online allegedly captured the Speaker making threats in Yoruba, warning the monarch not to enter a particular community, stating:

“If he values his life, he should not come today… I will make sure he is beaten, his crown removed and sent to Ilesa.”

Monarch Petitions IGP

Following the incident, Oba Oyewale petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), alleging that the Speaker’s words were a direct threat to his life. The monarch also claimed he was forced to flee into hiding due to escalating tension in the community.

According to the petition, the conflict began after a vehicle from the monarch’s community was involved in a minor accident with one from the Speaker’s convoy. The monarch reportedly intervened to maintain peace, but the situation worsened instead.

Speaker Responds, Denies Allegations

In a press statement released through his media office, Speaker Egbedun denied the allegations, claiming that he had in fact been attacked by hoodlums allegedly loyal to the monarch, and that his words were taken out of context.

“This is a politically motivated attack on my reputation. I never issued any threat to the monarch. My life and that of my aides were in danger,” the Speaker said.

Political and Public Reaction

The controversy has sparked heated reactions from across the political spectrum and civil society:

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for Egbedun’s immediate resignation and urged the police to open an investigation.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) demanded sanctions and legal action if the allegations prove true.

Civil society groups have described the incident as an abuse of power, urging politicians to show respect for traditional institutions.

Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Egbedun’s party, has called for calm, urging stakeholders to await the outcome of ongoing investigations.

CSSLN Suspends Speaker

In a related development, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) has suspended Egbedun, citing his “unbecoming behaviour” and “abuse of office.” This marks a significant move as the body rarely disciplines sitting speakers.