The Story of Oba Adesida II's Reported Defiance of Awolowo at the Western House of Chiefs

Oba Ademuagun Adesida II became the Deji of Akure in 1957 and soon took his place in the Western House of Chiefs. A popular account recalls a tense moment during one of his earliest meetings, attended by Premier Obafemi Awolowo and several prominent traditional rulers. As Awolowo entered, the other Obas reportedly stood in respect. The Deji remained seated and defended the autonomy and dignity of traditional institutions, arguing that monarchs did not derive their authority from electoral office. The account says the disagreement became heated, with the Deji challenging Awolowo to wear his crown if he believed he deserved such honour. Although the story later became part of Akure oral history, it is presented as a historical recollection and should be read alongside verifiable archival sources. The episode remains a striking story about traditional authority, political power and the place of Nigeria's monarchs in the early post-colonial era.

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