Governor Oyebanji Installs New Owa of Oke Ako After 25 Year Vacancy

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has installed Olanrewaju Oni as the new Owa of Oke Ako in the Ikole Local Government Area. The traditional stool had remained vacant for over 25 years following the death of Oba Omotayo Ogunbiyi on December 10, 2000. Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Oni, who hails from the Oke Aofin Royal Dynasty.

Governor Oyebanji attributed the prolonged vacancy to long drawn legal battles surrounding the selection process. He stated that these disputes prevented the government from exercising the statutory and legal procedures required to speed up the enthronement. During the ceremony, the governor urged the community to avoid internal strife and appealed to other contestants to partner with the new monarch to promote unity and development.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Oni thanked the state government, kingmakers, and royal families. He praised the governor for resolving the matter through due process and patience. The new monarch pledged to work with all stakeholders regardless of past grievances to lift the town out of underdevelopment.

Ojo Atibioke, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, stated that the selection process was conducted in compliance with the state Chiefs Law as well as the culture and traditions of Oke Ako. The governor also commended Tinuade Ogunbiyi-Adebayo, the regent who presided over the community during the interregnum.