Adeleke formally invests new Akire of Ikire with official insignia

Governor Adeleke

By Shina Abubakar

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has tasked the newly crowned Akire of Ikire, Oba Tajudeen Olanrewaju, to unite his subjects in a bid to ensure the development of the town.

Oba Olanremaju was installed as the Akire following the demise of Oba Olatunde Falabi on February 27, 2026.

The new monarch emerged following protracted litigation and crisis in the town, which led to the resolution by the administration of Gboyega Oyetola that he would be the next Akire after the demise of his predecessor, if he is still alive.

While presenting staff of office to the new monarch in Ikire on Saturday, Governor Adeleke affirmed his administration’s commitment to due process, rule of law and chieftaincy tradition of each town, adding, “I have done the right thing for Ikire people.

“In filling the vacant stool of Akire of Ikire, the Terms of Settlement made at the Appeal Court, Akure, in the year 2025, were used. It is pertinent to mention that the stool of Akire of Ikire generated crisis in the year 2021 over the Supreme Court Judgment of 2014 which affirmed that Lambeloye Ruling House that produced late Oba Olatunde Falabi had no legal right to occupy the stool of Akire of Ikire as at the time it did when a vacancy occurred in 1987.

“The aftermath of the crisis made the last Administration in Osun State in collaboration with all the Five (5) Ruling Houses of Ikire to resolve and jointly agree on the amendment of 1958 Akire Chieftaincy Declaration which paved way for Aketula Ruling House to be the next Ruling House whenever a vacancy occurred.

“In order to uphold and affirm the efforts of government in resolving the crisis, the Terms of Settlement made was affirmed by the Court of Appeal, Akure, in 2025 which clearly stated that Prince Olanrewaju Tajudeen of Aketula Ruling House shall be installed as the next Akire of Ikire whenever the stool became vacant, provided that he is alive,” the governor noted.

The governor spoke further: “Kabiyesi, you are a son of destiny. I particularly rejoice with you and felicitate with your fellow Royal Fathers who are also here to celebrate this occasion with you.

“Now that you are on the throne of your forefathers, the period of administering the community has begun. See yourself as the father of all citizens of Ikire at home and in the diaspora. Do all you can to unite everyone behind you and daily seek the growth and development of Ikire. Irewole Local Government, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole. Cooperate with my administration and mobilise your people to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the state,” he said.

The new Akire appreciated the governor’s commitment to the peace and development of Ikireland, assuring that he would not waver in supporting the town and state’s peace and progress.