Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the traditional institution as he installed Oba Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale (Amure Abe IV) as the Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti.
The installation of the 32-year-old monarch, described as the state’s youngest traditional ruler in recent years, was held in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, where the governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the new monarch.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oyebanji said his administration would not interfere in the selection of traditional rulers, stressing that due process, established customs and the wishes of the people must always guide the appointment of monarchs.
He said the emergence of Oba Adewole followed a transparent and credible selection process free from political interference, adding that there were “no winners and no losers” in the exercise, but rather a process that reflected unity, acceptance and respect for both culture and the law.
The governor urged the new monarch to promote peace, unity and inclusive development during his reign, describing the traditional institution as a critical partner in governance, grassroots development and the maintenance of security.
He also pledged continued collaboration with traditional rulers across the state to tackle criminal activities and strengthen security in local communities.
Governor Oyebanji encouraged the monarch to mobilise the support of the community’s elite, youths, professionals and members of the diaspora to drive the socio-economic development of Ayegbaju-Ekiti.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Olaiya Atibioke, said the stool became vacant following the death of Oba Solomon Adeloye on 15 February 2024. He stated that all statutory procedures, including consultation through Ifa divination in line with the community’s customs and declaration, were duly followed before the emergence of Oba Adewole.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, commended Governor Oyebanji for maintaining neutrality and transparency in the appointment of traditional rulers. He said the administration’s adherence to due process had ensured peaceful succession to royal stools without litigation or communal unrest.
Oba Alagbado urged the people of Ayegbaju-Ekiti to support the new monarch to foster unity and attract greater development to the community.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adewole thanked Governor Oyebanji, the kingmakers and the people of Ayegbaju-Ekiti for the confidence reposed in him.
The monarch described the selection process as transparent and peaceful, saying it had provided a strong foundation for reconciliation and unity. He pledged to lead with humility, fairness and selfless service, and appealed to sons and daughters of the community, both at home and in the diaspora, to work with him for the development of Ayegbaju-Ekiti.
Oba Adewole also appealed to the state government to continue supporting the community through improved infrastructure, expanded social amenities and increased political representation.
