Governor Adeleke Presents Staff of Office to New Akire

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Governor Adeleke Presents Staff of Office to New Akire

By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday presented the staff of office to the new Akire of Ikireland, Oba Olanrewaju Tajudeen Akinola (Akintula I), saying his administration remains committed to upholding due process and sustaining peace in the town.

The ceremony drew a large crowd of residents and dignitaries, with people lining major roads to Welcome governor as he made his way in a slow procession to the venue amid cheers of “Imole.”

Speaking at the event, Adeleke said the emergence of the new monarch followed the terms of settlement reached and affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Akure in 2025.

“I have done the right thing for Ikire people. In filling the vacant stool of Akire of Ikire, the Terms of Settlement made at the Court of Appeal, Akure in 2025 were used”, the Governor said.

He explained that the Akire stool had been a subject of dispute for years, noting that the crisis, which intensified in 2021, stemmed from earlier court judgments on the legitimacy of a ruling house to occupy the throne.

“The aftermath of the crisis made the last administration in collaboration with the five ruling houses resolve and agree on the amendment of the 1958 Akire Chieftaincy Declaration, paving the way for Aketula Ruling House to produce the next Akire,” he added.

Adeleke maintained that the appellate court ruling clearly stipulated that Prince Olanrewaju Tajudeen of the Aketula Ruling House should be installed as the next Akire whenever the stool became vacant.

Addressing the monarch, he urged him to see his position as a call to service.

“Now that you are on the throne of your forefathers, you must see yourself as the father of all. Do all you can to unite your people and promote the growth and development of Ikire,” he said.

Former Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, commended the governor for maintaining continuity in the chieftaincy process, noting that the decision was in line with the agreement reached under the administration of former governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

Also speaking, Senator Lere Oyewumi said the people of Ikire would not forget the governor’s role in restoring stability to the community. He noted that the decision had further strengthened peace in the town.

The event was attended by several traditional rulers and political figures, including the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup.

In his response, the new Akire expressed appreciation to the state government and the people of Ikire for the trust placed in him.

He pledged to work for unity and development.

“I will not waver in my commitment to the peace, progress and development of Ikireland,” the monarch said.

Adeleke, who described himself as an adopted son of Ikire, also called for continued support from the people, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to development