By Stephen Oladele
The palace of the Timi of Ede has debunked reports that the monarch, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal deliberately absented himself during a scheduled visit of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) to the palace.
The palace in a statement signed by Abiodun Tejumola, the Principal Private Secretary to the monarch, explained that the time of notification of the visit accounted for the reason Oba Lawal could not be available.
Tejumola in the statement said the palace was informed of the plan of the visit in less than 24hours before the visit was intended to be carried out by the APC candidate.
He argued that the time of the notice ran contrary to the protocol normally guiding the timing of notices of visit to the palace
He explained that by the time the notice came Oba Lawal had already been committed to some other official engagements that had been fixed in advance and could not be abandoned for the visit.
The statement reads: “The Palace of the Timi of Ede HIS ROYAL MAJESTY OBA MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL has been made aware of misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that Kabiyesi deliberately absented himself or “ran away” during the scheduled visit of the APC Governorship Candidate to the palace.
“The Palace wishes to categorically state that these reports are entirely false, misleading, and intended to create a wrong impression before the public.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Palace was only notified of the proposed visit less than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled date.
“Such an extremely short notice falls far below the protocol and courtesy expected when arranging an official visit to the revered throne of Timi Agbale of Ede. The institution of the Timi of Ede is one of great historical significance in Osun State and the entire Yoruba race and deserves the respect of proper communication and adequate scheduling.
“Prior to receiving the notification, His Royal Majesty had already committed to important official engagements. These included a scheduled Festival at the Palace of the Olojudo, after which His Royal Majesty was to pay a condolence visit to His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, following the passing of his elder brother.
“These engagements had been fixed well in advance and could not be abandoned at such short notice.
“The Palace therefore rejects, in its entirety, any insinuation that His Royal Majesty Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, the Timi of Ede, avoided the visit.
“Such narratives are not only false but also disrespectful to the institution of traditional rulership and the established protocols that govern engagements with royal fathers.
“The Palace urges members of the public to disregard the unfounded reports and to verify information through official channels before accepting or sharing it.
“The Timi of Ede remains committed to maintaining cordial relationships with all individuals, groups, and political stakeholders, while upholding the dignity, neutrality, and integrity of the revered throne.
