WATCH: Oloyan Tells Governor Ademola Adeleke, “We the Kings Are Hungry,” Says Obas and Chiefs Unpaid for 7 Months

By Sojworldnews Desk | Wednesday, November 11, 2026

A traditional ruler in Osun State has raised an alarm over unpaid salaries, saying kings and chiefs in his community have gone seven months without pay. The Oloyan, who reigns in Odo-Otin, spoke directly to Governor Ademola Adeleke in a video now spreading on social media.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke, we the kings are hungry,” the monarch said in the video. He accused the government of starving the obas and the chiefs alike. He then made his demand plain: “pay us our salary.” According to him, the payments have stopped for seven months.

The Oloyan said 17 obas and 440 chiefs in Odo-Otin have gone without pay during that period. However, those figures come from his own claim. Sojworldnews could not verify them independently. In addition, the state government has not responded to the video, as far as we could find.

The complaint did not appear out of nowhere. Earlier reports show that obas in Osun depend on a share of local government allocations. When those funds stalled, palaces struggled to cope. Tribune reported in 2025 that palace workers had gone months without salaries and that the obas had discussed the crisis at a statutory meeting.

The obas also tried to find a political fix. Reports say they resolved at their July 3, 2025 meeting to send a delegation to President Bola Tinubu. Similarly, Osun Defender later reported that some monarchs described how they survived without their salaries during the local government crisis. Clearly, the problem has dragged on for a long time.

Governor Adeleke has linked the problem to withheld local government funds. He said the federal government has held back about ₦130 billion in allocations since February 2025. In January 2026, he demanded the immediate release of the money. He also said the state made “painful sacrifices” to keep salaries flowing for almost 12 months.

Meanwhile, the Osun government has insisted that local government workers receive their salaries regularly despite the withheld funds. Nevertheless, the Oloyan’s claim suggests that the pain has reached the palaces. Therefore, the exact status of royal salaries now needs a clear public explanation.

Traditional rulers matter in Nigerian communities. They settle disputes, calm tensions and preserve culture. Moreover, chiefs help them carry out these duties every day. When both groups go unpaid, community life suffers, and the palace loses its ability to serve its people. As a result, the video struck a chord with many viewers.

Readers should also note the difference between the two sides of this story. On one hand, the Oloyan says his people are hungry and unpaid. On the other hand, the government says the withheld funds cause the strain, not neglect. Both claims need clear evidence, and only an official breakdown of payments can settle the argument.

The timing also adds political weight. Adeleke told voters in August that Osun must not return to an era of unpaid and half-paid salaries. Consequently, the Oloyan’s public appeal puts fresh pressure on the administration. Critics will likely use the video to question that promise, while supporters will point to the withheld federal funds.

Several questions remain unanswered. When will the state pay the arrears? Does the government dispute the figure of 17 obas and 440 chiefs? And will the governor meet the traditional rulers to settle the matter? Residents of Odo-Otin and beyond now wait for answers.

For now, the Oloyan’s message is clear and urgent. The kings and chiefs want their salaries, and they want them soon. Sojworldnews will continue to follow this story and will update this report when the state government responds. Meanwhile, you can watch the video in the post below.

“Gov Ademola Adeleke, we the kings are hungry, you’re starving we the kings and also the chiefs, pay us our salary, you’ve not paid us for 7 months”

Oloyan Raises Alarm Over Unpaid Salaries, Says 17 Obas and 440 Chiefs in Odo-Otin Have Gone Seven Months Without Pay🙆🏼‍♂️ https://t.co/hdzcNOvfsb

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) November 11, 2026