Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to strengthening the traditional institution, emphasizing its crucial role in governance, peace, and development.

Speaking on Thursday at the commissioning of the Ondo State Council of Obas Secretariat along Igbatoro Road in Akure, the governor highlighted the state government’s deep respect for royal fathers and their pivotal contributions to societal harmony.

Symbol of Respect for Traditional Rulers

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi Ogunlade, Odundun II, the Deji of Akure Kingdom and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, under whose leadership the edifice was completed.

He also praised traditional rulers for their wisdom and role in fostering peace and development.

“This Secretariat stands as a symbol of respect and recognition for the crucial role that our traditional institutions play in governance.

It will undoubtedly serve as a center for administrative excellence, a hub for consultations, and a meeting point for deliberations that will positively impact the development of Ondo State,” Aiyedatiwa stated.

The governor assured the people of Ondo State of his unwavering commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and ensuring good governance.

Monarchs Applaud Aiyedatiwa’s Commitment

In his goodwill message, Oba Aladelusi lauded the governor for his continuous support, describing the new Council Secretariat as a unifying hub for monarchs across the state.

He noted that the facility would enhance coordination among traditional rulers and boost their governance contributions.

Additionally, the Deji of Akure commended the governor for approving a 5% monthly allocation for royal fathers, emphasizing that this decision reinforces his dedication to preserving traditional values and empowering traditional institutions.

Project Completed After 20 Years

Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, expressed gratitude for the governor’s role in completing the project, which had been abandoned for two decades.

Similarly, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a visionary leader who genuinely values the traditional institution.

“We’ll never forget what you have done for Obas in Ondo State,” Ogunoye said, acknowledging the governor’s respect for royal fathers and commitment to their welfare.

The commissioning event was attended by key government officials, traditional rulers, and stakeholders, further solidifying the governor’s dedication to empowering the traditional leadership structure in Ondo State.

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Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has officially announced a 97-member local organizing committee to oversee preparations for his coronation, scheduled for April 5, 2025.

In a statement released by his Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, in Ibadan, the monarch named former INEC Commissioner, Kunle Ogunmola, as the committee chairman, with Adediwura Owoade as vice chairman.

According to Naija News, prominent figures in the committee include Victor Adeleke, State Chief of Protocol to President Bola Tinubu; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Oyomesi members High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin) and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale (Saamu); former Oyo Central Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; current Oyo Central Senator Dr. Yunus Akintunde; and House of Representatives member Akeem Adeyemi.

Traditional Rulers and Notable Members

The committee also comprises key traditional rulers, including:

High Chief Samuel Olu Odurinde (Alajagba)

High Chief Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji)

High Chief Isiaka Tella (Ona ‘Sokun)

High Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye (Oloja of Ago Oja)

High Chief Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo)

High Chief Taiwo Olabanji (Baale Onigbanla of Gbanla)

Additionally, Gbenga Eko, representing the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, is part of the committee.

Other members include Olayide Owoade, Ayoade Owoade, Tolani Owoade, Taiwo Owoade, Azeez Fatimo (née Owoade), and Rotimi Osuntola.

Also listed are Oyo State House of Assembly members Gbenga Oyekola, Olorunpoto Rahaman, and Oladeji Oparinde, along with representatives from security agencies, local government chairmen, and professional bodies.

Collaboration With Oyo State Government

The committee will work alongside the 25-member committee earlier set up by the Oyo State government, led by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Ademola Ojo.

Oba Owoade had previously warned against an unauthorized committee falsely claiming to organize the coronation, reassuring the public that he had personally selected an official committee for the historic event.

The 97-member committee is scheduled for inauguration on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Osuntola stated:

“This momentous occasion aims to unite Yoruba land, encouraging the active participation of stakeholders from within and beyond the region.

“The ultimate goal is to deliver an all-inclusive, epoch-making, grand, and hitch-free coronation that proudly showcases the rich Yoruba cultural heritage to the world.”

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The Alaafin-designate, Prince Akeem Owoade, has not yet begun the traditional rites that typically precede the coronation of a new Alaafin, according to Chief Mukaila Afonja, Head of Oyo Princes.

This follows reports suggesting that the traditional seclusion rites had been postponed. Afonja clarified that these rites will commence as soon as the 46th Alaafin returns from his trip to Canada.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Vanguard, Afonja emphasized that the new Alaafin had only received the certificate and staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde at the Executive Chamber.

These ceremonial items mark the beginning of the official process, but the crucial seclusion rites, part of the monarch’s preparation, are yet to begin.

While the public initially believed that the new Alaafin had already started his royal preparations, it was later revealed that Prince Akeem Owoade had traveled to Canada to finalize his resignation from his place of work. This delay has raised questions among those following the process.

In response, Chief Afonja assured the public, stating: “He has collected only the certificate, he is yet to undergo all the necessary rites. When he comes, he will go into seclusion.”

He further clarified, “When he is back in the country, he will enter Ipebi (seclusion), and while in Ipebi, the new Alaafin will go through all necessary rites as preparation for the coronation which will come up in April.”

Afonja explained that the new monarch will spend nearly 30 days in Ipebi, during which he will receive tutelage and undergo various rites. He also stressed that once the new Alaafin returns, the traditional process will begin promptly.

Contrary to rumors suggesting reluctance from Ifa Priests and traditionalists, a source from the ancient city stated: “Since modernity has usurped the role of the traditionalists in some areas, we have to make some adjustments. In the olden days, once a king has been picked, he will immediately go into mandatory seclusion which is 21 days and will not go out until he performs all the rites. After that, the coronation ceremony and presentation of staff and certificate can follow.”

With these clarifications, the Oyo community and observers await the completion of the necessary rites for the new Alaafin’s installation, expected in April.

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