Egba Traditional Council, led by the Alake of Egbaland, has suspended the Olu of Owode in Obafemi/Owode Local Government of Ogun State, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, over allegations of abusing the Nigerian currency.
The suspension comes in the aftermath of a viral video where the monarch was seen knotting N1,000 notes into a rope and wrapping it around the neck of popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM 1, during a party.
Last month, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) cautioned the Olu of Owode, stating that his actions could lead to imprisonment.
On Friday, the Egba Traditional Council announced a two-month suspension without salary for the embattled monarch, citing a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s laws regarding the degradation of the national currency.
The council’s Ethical Committee, headed by Oba Saka Matemilola, recommended the suspension after reviewing the viral video, noting that Oba Sowemimo’s actions breached the ethics of Yoruba traditional institutions.
The committee emphasised that, during the suspension period, the monarch should refrain from presenting himself as a traditional ruler and should not attend government or public functions. Additionally, Oba Sowemimo is prohibited from receiving any payments for three months.
The chairman added that a lot of public condemnation of the act inundated the council with derisive comments on the traditional institution, stressing that the said the Oba’s action is in contradiction of Section 21(1) of Central Bank Act, 2007.
Confirming his suspension, Oba Sowemimo acknowledged the council’s decision, expressing remorse for his actions during the celebration.
He stated that he accepts the verdict and emphasised the importance of corrective measures within the community.
Oba Sowemimo stated, “the suspension was announced during our meeting yesterday (Friday), they said the suspension was due to the way I spent money on one musician.
“And when I was asked if I had anything to say, I stood up and apologized for whatever I have done wrong and the suspension which was earlier announced to be for three months without salaries was reduced to two months. I totally accept the verdict of the council because it is the person that we love that we chastise, so I am good with the decision,” he added.
