Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Installs 32-Year-Old as Ayegbaju Monarch, Vows to Protect Traditional Institutions

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has installed 32-year-old Oba Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale as the new Owa of Ayegbaju in Oye Local Government Area, pledging that his administration will continue to respect traditional institutions and never impose monarchs on communities.

Represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, at the presentation of the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment on Tuesday, Oyebanji said the emergence of the new monarch followed a transparent process rooted in tradition and accepted by the people.

The governor said his administration would continue to uphold culture and tradition by allowing communities to choose their rulers without political interference, stressing that such an approach would prevent crises and preserve the sanctity of traditional institutions.

He also pledged to work closely with traditional rulers to tackle insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities affecting parts of the state.

Oyebanji urged the new monarch to unite his people, maintain a cordial relationship with the government and work with community leaders and indigenes to drive development in Ayegbaju.

“Today, the throne of the Owa of Ayegbaju Ekiti receives a ruler whose emergence followed the clear voice of tradition and the calm acceptance of the people,” he said.

Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atibioke, said the stool became vacant following the death of Oba Solomon Adeloye on February 15, 2024, after which the traditional selection process, including Ifa consultation, produced Oba Adewole as the new ruler.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, commended Oyebanji for handling chieftaincy matters without crisis, urging the people of Ayegbaju to support and respect their new monarch.

Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, described the enthronement as a celebration of culture and tradition, noting that Ayegbaju hosts thousands of students of the institution and plays an important role in the state's educational development.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Adewole thanked the governor, kingmakers and the people for ensuring a peaceful selection process, promising to serve with humility and dedication.

The 32-year-old monarch appealed to residents to support his reign while calling on the state government to provide more infrastructure and political appointments for the community.

“I shall serve with humility and give all a sense of belonging. I can't do it alone. Please join me and take this town to a higher level,” he said.