Former Osun APC Chairman, Gboyega Famodun, Dies In Abuja…He Was A Claimant To Igbajo Throne

Family members, friends, former party members and supporters spoke in sepulchral tones and had mournful facial expressions as news of the passing of Philip Gboyega Famoodun spread at the weekend.

This is understandable; he was not only a prominent politician in Osun State, but was also royalty and was until his passing a claimant to the throne of Igbajo.

Igbajo is an ancient town in Boluwaduro local government, Osun State and it holds a special place in history as the location for the end of the Kiriji War, the longest civil war in Yorubaland before the arrival of colonialists.

Gboyega Famoodun served as Osun State APC Chairman during the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola administrations and he became the Owa of Igbajo on November 22, 2022.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was sworn in as governor of Osun State on November 27, 2022, however on his first day in office issued an executive order ordering Famoodun and two other monarchs to vacate their respective palaces while his appointment as Owa of Igbajo was eventually nullified via a government White Paper on January 19, 2024.

That was not all, the governor also on Monday, March 11, 2024, approved the appointment of Ademola Stephen Makinde as the new Owa of Igbajo while he presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to him on March 20,  2024.

The late Famoodun however took legal actions to challenge the decisions taken by the Adeleke administration and although the legal battle is still ongoing, he however already got favourable rulings at the state high court and the Federal High Court.

Famoodun passed away at a hospital in Abuja after a short illness.

A source told Team@orientactualmags.com that the threshold rites will be observed as tradition demands while his passing will be announced as required of his status.

Also, a viral press release issued by Prince David Adekunle Famodun not only announced Famoodun’s passing but also asserted his status as a monarch and gave supporting reasons.

‘On behalf of the Gbeleru Royal Family of Igbajo, I write with a deep sense of loss and gratitude to Almighty God to notify you of the passing of our revered traditional ruler and the 30th Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Philip Adegbogbega Famodun III. He passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, after a short illness.

As you may recall, Oba Adegboyega Famodun was installed and presented with the staff of office and Instrument of Appointment on November 24, 2022, by the former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola. Although his position was disputed by a white paper issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State High Court reinstated him on January 30, 2025.

During his reign, Oba Famodun worked tirelessly to unite the people of Igbajoland, promoting peace, understanding, and progress. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the community, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. He will be remembered for his peaceful nature, exceptional wisdom, and tireless efforts to promote community development.

Oba Adegboyega Famodun, who was aged 67 years, was happily married and survived by children.

May his kind soul rest in perfect peace. Amen’ he submitted.

 Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the news of the former APC chairman’s passing has given birth to an outpouring of condolences.

‘HRH, Oba Adegboyega Famoodun . Could this be true ? Perhaps it’s a rumour . HRH is just too good to quit the stage now when his wealth of experience is mostly needed in Osun’ a member of the House of Representatives, Rep Wole Oke submitted in a Facebook post.

Alhaji Jamiu Olawumi, who served as Oyetola’s Special Adviser on Education, posted the picture of the former APC chairman with the cutline ‘Shocking’.

‎Retired General Biodun Bashir Adewinmbi also described Famoodun’s passing as a loss to the traditional institution.

‘The transition of Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III is a significant loss to the traditional institution, the Yoruba cultural heritage, and the Igbajo people who he served with distinction’ he submitted while urging all descendants and indigenes of Igbajo to uphold the legacy of the late king and sustain the unity he  had worked hard to maintain.

‎’May his noble soul rest in perfect peace’ he added-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you