There is growing outrage in Osun State following the emergence of a leaked audio recording allegedly capturing the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, threatening a traditional ruler with imprisonment and possible death.
The recording, which surfaced on social media on Wednesday evening, has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups, traditional leaders, and political commentators.
In the audio, the Speaker, speaking in Yoruba, is allegedly heard berating the Alasi of Asi, Oba Oyewale Olasunkanmi Isaac (Akorede I), over what sources describe as “political disloyalty.” The Speaker, who hails from the same community as the monarch in Odo-Otin Local Government Area, reportedly warned the king against opposing his political dominance in local matters.
In the now-viral clip, the voice widely believed to be that of Hon. Egbedun says:
“I will jail you, I swear. I’ll ensure you rot there. You think being a king gives you power over me? I’ll deal with you, and if you’re not careful, you won’t leave that place alive.”
An audio forensic specialist consulted by this medium stated that after comparing the recording with publicly available speeches of the Speaker, there is a 95% match, strengthening public belief in the authenticity of the clip.
Political Power Play?
Sources within the Asi community told this medium that tensions between Hon. Egbedun and Oba Isaac had been simmering for months. Palace insiders accused the Speaker of sidelining the monarch in critical community decisions, including political appointments and local development efforts.
“The Speaker wants total control,” one palace aide said. “He treats the king like a subordinate. This is not governance; it is intimidation.”
Adding to the controversy, reports indicate that this is not the first time Hon. Egbedun has clashed with the traditional institution. In February 2025, he allegedly snubbed the highly revered Aragbiji of Iragbiji at a public function in Boripe Local Government Area a move that drew sharp rebuke from senior traditional rulers in the state.
Civil Groups Demand Action
Reacting to the development, the Democracy Vigilance Coalition (DVC), a socio-political watchdog group, issued a fiery press release on Wednesday y, describing the Speaker’s alleged conduct as “tyranny in democratic robes.”
The group’s spokesperson, Olumide Akinlolu, called for Hon. Egbedun’s immediate suspension and a full-scale investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), citing abuse of office and threats to life.
“No one is above the law. The Speaker must be held accountable. His threats are not just against a monarch but against our democracy,” Akinlolu said.
Monarch Flees Amid Security Concerns
Meanwhile, this medium reliably gathered that Oba Isaac has temporarily relocated to Lagos, citing escalating threats to his life. A source close to the royal family confirmed the move, saying, “The Oba had to leave Asi to avoid possible harm. The situation has become dangerous.”
Efforts to reach Hon. Egbedun for comments were unsuccessful as of press time. Calls and messages to his official line went unanswered. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ademola Adeleke also declined to comment, although a senior aide confirmed the governor is “aware” of the issue and “closely monitoring the situation.”
Legal and Political Implications
A public affairs analyst, Barr. Tunji Olayinka, told this medium that if the voice in the audio is proven to be that of the Speaker, it could lead to legal consequences.
“This goes beyond misconduct. We’re talking about criminal threats, intimidation, and abuse of office. The Osun House of Assembly must act or risk public backlash,” he warned.
As the controversy unfolds, political observers say the incident could mark a turning point in the strained relationship between Osun’s political elite and the state’s traditional institutions.
