OSUN GOVT MOVES TO PREVENT EBOLA OUTBREAK, APPROVES NEW ONIJABE AND OTHER TRADITIONAL RULERS

By NaijaParrot

OCTOBER 24, 2026  Health | Traditional Institutions  

OSOGBO, OSUN STATE The Osun State Government has intensified efforts to guard against a possible Ebola outbreak, assuring residents that preventive measures are being strengthened across the state. 

The government has also approved the appointment of a new Onijabe of Ijabeland and several other traditional rulers, alongside the elevation of some traditional chiefs. 

 The decisions were announced following the first meeting of the Osun State Executive Council after the recent governorship election. 

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the council reviewed key health and traditional institution matters affecting the state.

During the meeting, the council considered an action plan submitted by the Osun State Ministry of Health to strengthen the state’s readiness to prevent and respond to any suspected Ebola virus case. 

 Although no Ebola case had been reported in Osun State as of the announcement, the government said it was prioritising prevention and early response to reduce the risk of the virus entering the state. The preparedness measures are expected to support disease surveillance, prompt reporting of suspected infections and coordination among relevant health authorities.  

The state government also urged public and private hospitals to remain vigilant and immediately report suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities. The Commissioner for Health, Hon. Jola Akintola, appealed to healthcare providers to take the necessary precautions and cooperate with the government to ensure that any suspected case receives prompt attention. 

 The state government’s position comes amid wider efforts by health authorities at the federal level to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness against the Ebola virus. Residents are expected to rely on verified information from recognised health authorities and observe official public health guidance. 

 In another major decision, the Osun State Executive Council approved the appointment of Babatunde Omotosho Tajudeen as the new Onijabe of Ijabeland, with immediate effect. 

 The approval followed a review of the selection process for the traditional stool and the council’s decision to set aside the 2018 Amended Onijabe of Ijabe Chieftaincy Declaration. The appointment marks a significant development for Ijabeland, with the state government confirming that the decision takes immediate effect. 

 The Executive Council also approved appointments to several traditional stools across different local government areas and local council development areas in Osun State. The newly approved traditional rulers include:

 1. Oloyede Samuel Oyekanmi Adewale — Olugbense of Agurodo, Ejigbo West Local Government Area. 

2. Prince Adewusi Adetunji Hamsat — Alaba of Alaba-Ijesa, Atakumosa West Local Government Area. 

3. Chief Adedoyin Muritala Adewale — Akogun of Ife, Ife East Local Government Area. 

4. Prince Babajide Oludare — Olupasi of Ipasi-Ijesa, Obokun Local Government Area. 

5. Prince (Dr.) Philip Abiodun Badewa — Akeji of Ikeji-Ile, Oriade Local Government Area. 

6. Prince Oni Edward Olujoba — Akinsin of Inisa-Ijesa, Atakumosa West Local Government Area. 

7. Prince Adedeji Kayode Adedapo — Wasare of Ijana Wasare-Ijesa, Atakumosa West Central Local Council Development Area. 

8. Prince Abdulrauf Babatunde Lawal Oyekunle — Oloponda of Oponda, Odo-Otin Local Government Area. 

9. Prince Adelaja Oluwaseyi Adedoyin — Alajebamidele of Ajebamidele-Ijesa, Atakumosa East Local Government Area.  

The council also approved the appointments of additional traditional rulers in other communities. 

 They are: 

 * Prince Frederick Adedayo Haastrup — Aloya of Iloya-Ijesa, Atakumosa West Local Government Area. 

* Chief (Mrs.) Ojo Hannah Bolanle — Arise of Ilesa, Ilesa West Local Government Area. 

* Prince Musibau Adewuyi Omotosho — Olu of Ayenigba, Egbedore South Local Council Development Area.

* Prince Lawal Sherif Atanda — Alawo of Ilawo, Ejigbo South Local Council Development Area, and Alamuye of Amuye-Efaforiji-Ijesa. 

 The government stated that all the approved appointments take effect immediately. 

 Beyond the appointment of new traditional rulers, the council approved the elevation of some minor chiefs to Part II recognized chiefs under the state’s traditional chieftaincy structure. 

 The decision forms part of the council’s broader consideration of traditional institutions and chieftaincy matters across Osun State. The Executive Council also approved the report of a seven-member panel of inquiry set up to investigate the Olu of Araromi-Owu chieftaincy crisis in Ayedaade Local Government Area. 

 The approval represents another step in the state’s handling of the dispute, although further details of the panel’s recommendations were not provided in the announcement. 

 The latest decisions highlight two key areas of the Osun State Government’s agenda: strengthening public health preparedness and addressing traditional leadership matters across communities. 

 On Ebola prevention, the government has emphasised vigilance, early reporting and coordinated action by healthcare facilities, even in the absence of a confirmed case in the state.  

On traditional institutions, the approvals cover new appointments, the recognition and elevation of chiefs, and the consideration of a report concerning a chieftaincy dispute. 

 The announcements were contained in a statement electronically signed by Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment. 

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