Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has formally installed Oba Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale (Amure Abe IV) as the Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti, making the 32-year-old monarch one of the youngest traditional rulers in the state’s history. The installation ceremony, held in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, marked the official commencement of the monarch’s reign following months of traditional and legal processes.
Represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, Governor Oyebanji described the emergence of the new monarch as a victory for due process, transparency and respect for tradition. He stressed that his administration would continue to resist political interference in the selection of traditional rulers, insisting that communities must be allowed to choose their monarchs in line with established customs and the law.
The governor noted that peaceful succession strengthens public confidence in traditional institutions and helps preserve the dignity, cultural heritage and historical values attached to royal stools across Ekiti State. He urged Oba Adewole to lead with integrity, fairness and humility while fostering peace and unity among the people of Ayegbaju-Ekiti.
According to Oyebanji, collaboration between the government and traditional rulers remains critical to addressing insecurity, promoting grassroots development and strengthening community policing. He called on monarchs across the state to continue supporting government efforts aimed at tackling criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property.
The new monarch ascended the throne following the death of the former Owa, Oba Solomon Adeloye, in February 2024. The vacant stool was subsequently filled through the prescribed traditional process, including consultations with the Ifa oracle and adherence to the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Declaration, culminating in the approval of Prince Adewole by the State Executive Council earlier this year.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Olaiya Atibioke, said the smooth transition reflected the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of traditional institutions through fairness, transparency and strict compliance with existing laws.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, praised the state government for ensuring peaceful installations of monarchs without disputes or litigation. He urged the people of Ayegbaju-Ekiti to rally behind their new king and support initiatives that would enhance the community’s social and economic development.
In his maiden address as Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Oba Adewole expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji, the kingmakers and the people of the town for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to operate an open and inclusive palace where every indigene would have a sense of belonging, while prioritising peace, youth development, education and infrastructural growth.
The monarch also appealed to the state government to extend more developmental projects and public investments to Ayegbaju-Ekiti, expressing optimism that stronger collaboration between the palace, government and community stakeholders would accelerate the town’s progress.
Born on March 8, 1994, Oba Adewole is widely regarded as the youngest traditional ruler currently on the throne in Ekiti State. His emergence has drawn attention across the state, with many describing it as a blend of youthful leadership and the preservation of Yoruba traditional values.
