The Iresa-Pupa Community Development Association (ICDA) has strongly condemned what it described as a “comical and ahistorical” account issued by an anonymous group in Oko, dismissing the claims as “fundamentally inaccurate, structurally deficient, and laced with historical revisionism.”
In a joint statement signed by ICDA Chairman Rev. Zachaeus Olusanjo Akanni and Secretary Mr. Johnson Oyebamiji, the association rebuked the ongoing attempts to distort historical facts and questioned the credibility of the unnamed group, urging those behind the publication to embrace historical reality and focus on development rather than stoking division.
“The continued effort to rewrite our shared history by these faceless revisionists is a futile exercise,” the statement read. “We have verifiable and undeniable evidence that confirms Iresa-Pupa’s landownership and traditional authority over the Oloko of Oko.”
The ICDA addressed three main claims put forward by the anonymous group:
The group claimed that the Oloko was listed among superior traditional rulers. However, ICDA clarified that page 23 of the 1959 Gazette only listed lesser chiefs in districts, not first-class monarchs. “The Soun of Ogbomoso, Aresa, Olugbon, and others were not included, proving the document focused solely on lower-ranking chiefs.”
The ICDA argued that the second document referenced by the group — an expenditure record from “Ogbomoso North” in 1982 and 1983 — is a fabrication, noting that Ogbomoso North Local Government was only created in 1991. “This so-called document predates the existence of the local government it refers to,” the group noted, dismissing it as a clear case of misinformation.
The ICDA pointed out that several communities bear the name “Oko”, including Oko Ile and the now-extinct Oko Ose. “The current Oko Irese, which is less than 200 years old, cannot claim superiority over older Oko communities,” they said.
The ICDA traced the evolution of Oko as a settlement, citing the 2011 publication by Oko elders, which acknowledged that the original Oko was located near old Oyo Ile and was abandoned due to war.
Furthermore, referencing works by Prof. Oyerinde and the 1953 “Report of Oko Chieftaincy Dispute,” they reaffirmed that Aresa-Pupa is the traditional landlord, and that Oko chiefs are required to seek Aresa’s approval during succession processes.
On the chieftaincy lineage, the ICDA corrected another alleged historical error by the group, clarifying that the current Aresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye III, is in fact the 11th Aresa-Pupa since the division of Iresa.
They listed all past rulers, beginning with Oba Obatuapa Taiwo to the present monarch, emphasizing the rich and documented lineage of their rulership.
They also recounted a 1992 letter from the Adaramola Oyenibi Ruling House seeking Aresa’s approval to install Oba Adaramola as Oloko, and a 2021 letter by Oko High Chiefs requesting inclusion in the Aresa Traditional Council—further supporting their position as landlords.
Backing their claim with the Oyo State Gazette of 1995, the ICDA noted that the Aresa-Pupa was granted prescribed authority over several chieftaincies, including Oko.
“More than 60 towns and villages fall under Aresa-Pupa’s traditional jurisdiction, including Oko,” the statement added.
The group also referenced a historic Supreme Court ruling in a land dispute between Aagba and Oko communities, where Aresa’s boundary submission formed the basis of the judgment.
They concluded by cautioning the Oloko and his followers against misrepresenting history or undermining established authority.
The ICDA promised to make documents supporting their claims available for public scrutiny, affirming their commitment to transparency, peace, and regional development.