Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, will on Tuesday officially install 32-year-old Oba Adewale Oluwatosin Adewole (Amure Abe IV) as the new Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti, making him one of the youngest traditional rulers to ascend the throne in the state’s recent history.

The governor is expected to present the Staff of Office to the monarch during a grand coronation ceremony scheduled to hold in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, marking the formal commencement of the new king’s reign.

The historic event is expected to attract an array of eminent personalities, including traditional rulers from across the country, senior government officials, political leaders, members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry, development partners, investors, community leaders, and sons and daughters of Ayegbaju-Ekiti from within Nigeria and the diaspora.

The installation is widely regarded as a significant milestone in the history of Ayegbaju-Ekiti, heralding what many have described as a new era of youthful, visionary, and inclusive leadership while preserving the rich customs and traditions of the ancient community.

Oba Adewale emerged as the Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti following a selection process conducted in accordance with the Registered Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, 2012. His appointment was subsequently approved by the Ekiti State Executive Council at its first meeting of the year, held on February 18, after confirming that all statutory and traditional procedures had been duly observed.

The royal stool became vacant following the death of the immediate past monarch, Oba Solomon Adeloye, on February 15, 2024. In line with the chieftaincy declaration guiding the stool, the Ejisun Ruling House, the only recognised ruling house, presented the candidate, while four of the five kingmakers performed the customary rites leading to his emergence.

Born on March 8, 1994, the monarch holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Ilorin and an Ordinary National Diploma in Business Administration from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. His ascension has generated considerable interest across Ekiti as a symbol of generational renewal within the traditional institution.

Speaking ahead of the coronation in a statement released by the publicity committee, Oba Adewale described his ascension to the throne as a divine and sacred responsibility, pledging to serve the people with humility, integrity, and a clear vision for development.

He said, “This is a solemn call to serve my people with humility, integrity, and vision. I am committed to preserving our cherished traditions while embracing innovation, unity, and partnerships that will improve the lives of our people. Together, we shall build an Ayegbaju-Ekiti that honours its past and confidently embraces the future.”

The monarch also commended the Oyebanji administration for ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible selection process, noting that the government had continued to strengthen the traditional institution while promoting peaceful coexistence across the state.

Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Sir Segun Oluwafemi, described the event as a defining moment for Ayegbaju-Ekiti, saying it would celebrate the community’s cultural heritage while projecting it as a peaceful, progressive, and investment-friendly destination.

Similarly, Chairman of the Publicity Committee, Dr Femi Ajayi, said the significance of the coronation extends beyond the installation of a monarch, stressing that it offers a strategic platform to promote the history, culture, and economic potential of the community to both national and international audiences.

Also speaking, Team Lead of the Ayegbaju-Ekiti Media Team and Secretary of the Coronation Publicity Committee, Ambassador Adamolekun Jacob Ayomide, said the emergence of the youthful monarch had rekindled hope among young people, demonstrating that traditional institutions could successfully blend cultural preservation with youthful leadership capable of driving innovation and community development.

A prominent community leader, Engr. Oludare Ale, expressed confidence that the reign of the new monarch would strengthen unity among the people, deepen partnerships, attract greater investment, and accelerate the community’s development aspirations.

The Coronation Planning Committee said all arrangements had been concluded for what it described as a colourful and befitting ceremony reflecting the dignity of the traditional institution and the rich cultural heritage of Ayegbaju-Ekiti. (TRIBUNE)

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