- warns monarchs against jurisdictional disputes
- Takuro commends peaceful resolution of succession dispute
- Olofun pledges unity, development drive
Eight years after the throne of the Olofun of Irele became vacant following the death of Oba Claudius Alabi Olefebi, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday formally installed Oba Samuel Omopariola Odimayo as the new monarch of the ancient kingdom, bringing an end to a prolonged succession dispute.
At the presentation of the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment in Irele, the governor said the installation fulfilled a long-standing promise to the people and marked the conclusion of years of legal and traditional contestations over the stool.
He recalled that the demand to fill the vacant throne was repeatedly made by residents during the 2020 governorship campaign and again during the 2024 electioneering period, describing the event as the fulfilment of that commitment.
Aiyedatiwa attributed the delay in filling the stool to protracted litigation over the ruling house entitled to produce the next Olofun, noting that the dispute was finally resolved by a judgment delivered by Justice D. E. Kolawole on March 20, 2023.
According to him, the court affirmed the validity of the 1994 Olofun Chieftaincy Declaration and recognised the Orunbemekun Royal House as the next lineage to produce the monarch after the Oyenusi Ruling Family.
He explained that government subsequently approved the commencement of the selection process in October 2025, while the State Executive Council later authorised warrants to complement existing kingmakers following the death of some members recognised under the chieftaincy declaration.
The governor said Prince Samuel Omopariola Odimayo emerged as Olofun-elect after securing the majority votes of kingmakers during the selection process and was subsequently approved by the State Executive Council after due verification.
Describing the new monarch’s emergence as a renewal of the bond between the throne and the people, Aiyedatiwa charged him to deploy the authority of the stool in the interest of peace, justice and communal development.
He warned against the misuse of traditional powers, urging the monarch to avoid actions capable of creating division or fuelling grievances within the kingdom.
Aiyedatiwa also appealed to all contestants in the selection process to close ranks behind the new monarch and work collectively for the progress of Irele Kingdom.
The governor further cautioned traditional rulers across the state against expansionist tendencies, stressing that government would not tolerate the installation of minor chiefs outside recognised jurisdictions, particularly in disputed areas.
He maintained that respect for established boundaries remained critical to sustaining harmony among neighbouring communities and traditional institutions.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security, Aiyedatiwa said government would continue to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, and support conventional security agencies in combating kidnapping, banditry and other crimes.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies, noting that safeguarding lives and property was a collective responsibility.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, described the installation as further evidence of the governor’s commitment to due process in traditional affairs.
He said Aiyedatiwa had consistently refrained from interfering in the selection of monarchs, insisting that traditional rulers must emerge strictly in line with the wishes of the people and established customs.
According to him, the emergence of Oba Odimayo reflected the collective choice of the people of Irele and full compliance with the provisions of the Olofun Chieftaincy Declaration and extant laws of the state.
Takuro added that the ministry was working to ensure that other vacant traditional stools across Ondo State were filled in accordance with due process and custom.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Irele Local Government, Hon. Olajide Akinfe, described the installation as a watershed in the history of the kingdom.
He said the ceremony symbolised the convergence of tradition and constitutional authority and marked the successful conclusion of a challenging process that tested the resilience of the community.
Akinfe commended the governor for his commitment to peace, fairness and the preservation of traditional institutions, noting that the administration had consistently promoted lawful and transparent succession processes.
He described the emergence of Oba Odimayo as divinely ordained and widely accepted, expressing confidence that his reign would usher in peace, prosperity and accelerated development.
The council chairman reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to a productive partnership with the traditional institution and urged residents to embrace unity, describing the installation as a collective victory for the people of Irele.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Oba Samuel Omopariola Odimayo, formally confirming him as the Olofun of Irele and ending an eight-year vacancy on the revered throne.
In his response, the newly installed monarch expressed appreciation to stakeholders and government while outlining his vision for the kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the Olofun Council, chiefs, and the sons and daughters of Irele Kingdom, the monarch commended the government for upholding justice and correcting what he described as the perversion and desecration of his selection process, adding that it restored patriotism and unity.
He said his reign would be guided by a vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous kingdom where justice, tradition and heritage are respected, and citizens are empowered to thrive.
He said education would be prioritised through the upgrade of school infrastructure, support for teachers, scholarships, and partnerships with government and private bodies to ensure access to quality learning.
He added that youth development would be strengthened through music and sports academies to harness creativity, while agriculture would be modernised through improved techniques, processing and development to boost livelihoods, self-sustenance and wealth creation.
Oba Odimayo also pledged to attract investors, revive industries and promote small and medium enterprises, including banking and financial services, to create jobs and expand the local economy.
He stressed the importance of peace with neighbouring communities, recalling historical harmony without conflict, and pledged continued unity, mutual respect and compassion.
On challenges, he called for intervention on electricity, as the area remains off the national grid, establishment of higher institutions, and urgent rehabilitation of abandoned and dilapidated roads, including resurfacing and tarring within Irele headquarters.
He concluded that Irele Kingdom was ready to work with government to achieve development goals and become a model of unity and peace, while thanking the governor and praying for prosperity and blessings on the state.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo; and Member representing Irele Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chris Ogunlana, among other traditional rulers and guests
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