By John Ogunsemore
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday presented the staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, as the Alale of Akungba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.
This followed years of protracted legal battles and decades of chieftaincy disputes over the royal stool.
The governor, who performed the presentation in Akungba, said the recognition of Oba Adu was the culmination of a long-drawn struggle for justice and the restoration of peace in the community.
“It is only logical to allow His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, who obtained favourable judgments at all levels of the judicial processes, to enjoy the benefits of his legal victory in the best interest of fair play, equity, and justice,” the governor declared.
Aiyedatiwa explained that although it was the turn of the Olugbade Ruling House to produce the next monarch following the passing of Oba Sunday Adeyeye Ajimo in March 2025, government had to act in line with existing court rulings that validated Adu’s claim.
He stressed that the government remained neutral in all chieftaincy matters, assuring that the decision was not an endorsement of one ruling house over another but a step to reconcile the warring factions within the Ole Ruling House.
Appealing for calm, he urged the Olugbade Ruling House to exercise patience.
“This is not an expression of government’s preference for any ruling house whatsoever, but an action taken in the overall best interest of peace and tranquility in Akungba community,” the governor said.
Congratulating the new monarch, Aiyedatiwa reminded him of the enormous responsibility ahead.
“Kabiyesi, you are now a father to all. You must see your ascension to the throne as a service to your people. The staff of office should be employed to strengthen peace, unity, and cohesion of your town, not to victimise perceived opponents,” he cautioned.
In his response, Oba Adu expressed deep gratitude to God and appreciation to the state government for making his installation possible.
“I lack human words to fully express my profound gratitude to the Almighty Father for making this day a reality. I am equally indebted to the Executive Governor of Ondo State for upholding the Supreme Court judgment on the Alale chieftaincy matter, which has culminated in my installation as the Alale of Akungba today,” the monarch said.
He described the occasion as historic, noting that it marked the fruition of a journey that began in 1951 with the aspiration of the Agure royal family to ascend the throne.
The monarch pledged to prioritise unity and development of the community in his reign.
