Governor Ademola Adeleke has presented the staff of office to the new Akire of Ikireland, Oba Olanrewaju Tajudeen Akinola, Akintula I.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the appointment followed the terms of settlement reached at the Court of Appeal, Akure, in 2025.
He explained that the Akire stool had been a subject of crisis since 2021, stemming from a Supreme Court judgment delivered in 2014 which held that the Lambeloye Ruling House had no legal right to occupy the stool when a vacancy occurred in 1987.
Adeleke noted that the crisis led to efforts by the immediate past administration in Osun State, in collaboration with the five ruling houses of Ikire, to amend the 1958 Akire Chieftaincy Declaration.
He said the amendment paved the way for the Aketula Ruling House to produce the next Akire whenever a vacancy occurs, adding that the Court of Appeal, Akure, affirmed the settlement in 2025, specifying that Prince Olanrewaju Tajudeen of the Aketula Ruling House should be installed as the next Akire, provided he was alive at the time of vacancy.
The governor congratulated the monarch on his ascension, describing him as a destined ruler, and urged him to unite the people of Ikire both at home and in the diaspora.
He advised the new monarch to prioritise peace, unity, and development in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, and Nigeria at large, while also encouraging collaboration with the state government.
Adeleke stated that his administration had delivered significant development projects in Ikire and called on residents to continue supporting his government.
He also appealed to the people to participate actively in the August 15, 2026 election, urging them to support his party to ensure continuity of governance.
Describing himself as an adopted son of Ikire, the governor recalled his early life experiences in the town and sought continued support from the people.
