Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday presented the staff of office to the new Akire of Ikireland, Olanrewaju Tajudeen Akinola, urging residents to sustain peace and support continuity in governance.
The colourful ceremony, attended by traditional rulers, political leaders and residents, drew large crowds who lined major roads to welcome the governor in a celebratory procession to the palace.
Presenting the staff of office, Adeleke said the installation of the monarch followed due process and existing legal frameworks, particularly the terms of settlement affirmed by the Court of Appeal in 2025.
He noted that the decision resolved longstanding disputes over the stool, adding that his administration remained committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting traditional institutions.
“I have done the right thing for the people of Ikire. The process that produced the new Akire is rooted in legality and consensus among the ruling houses,” the governor said.
Adeleke, who described himself as an adopted son of Ikire, called on the new monarch to unite the people and prioritise development across the community, the local government and the state.
“Now that you are on the throne of your forefathers, you must see yourself as the father of all and work for peace, unity and progress,” he added.
The governor also used the occasion to seek continued support for his administration, urging residents to back his party in future elections to sustain ongoing development efforts.
Earlier, former Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi commended Adeleke for maintaining continuity in the chieftaincy process, noting that the current administration upheld the settlement framework initiated under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Similarly, Senator Lere Oyewumi described the development as a major step towards sustaining peace in Ikire, assuring that the people would not forget the governor’s intervention.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Akinola expressed appreciation to the state government for its role in restoring stability to the stool, pledging to promote unity, peace and development in Ikireland.
The event also attracted prominent traditional rulers, including the Adesuyi Haastrup, alongside other dignitaries.
The installation of the new Akire is widely seen as bringing closure to years of disputes over succession to the throne, setting the stage for renewed stability in the ancient town.
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