By Editor
The Ekiti State Government will on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, officially install unarguably, the youngest traditional ruler in the state as Governor Biodun Oyebanji presents the Staff of Office to the 32 year-old, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewale Oluwatosin Adewole (Amure Abe IV), the Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti, at a grand coronation ceremony.
According to a press statement issued by the Coronation Publicity Committee and made available to our correspondent, the historic event is expected to draw a distinguished gathering of traditional rulers, senior government officials, political leaders, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, community leaders, sons and daughters of Ayegbaju-Ekiti from home and the diaspora, as well as other invited guests from across Nigeria.
The coronation marks a significant milestone in the history of Ayegbaju-Ekiti and the traditional institution in Ekiti State, ushering in a new era of youthful, visionary and inclusive leadership while reinforcing the community’s enduring cultural values and traditions.
Beyond the installation of a new monarch, the ceremony is expected to project Ayegbaju-Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and investment opportunities, while strengthening community identity and creating fresh prospects for sustainable socio-economic development.
Oba Adewale emerged as the Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti following a transparent and lawful selection process conducted in line with the Registered Chieftaincy Declaration and the Chiefs Law (2012) of Ekiti State. At its first meeting of 2026 held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Ekiti State Executive Council approved his appointment after confirming that all statutory and traditional procedures had been duly complied with.
The stool became vacant following the passing of the late Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Oba Solomon Adeloye, on February 15, 2024. In accordance with the Registered Declaration governing the Owa Chieftaincy, the Ejisun Ruling House, the sole recognized ruling house, presented the candidate, while four of the five kingmakers performed their traditional responsibilities leading to the emergence of the new monarch.
Born on March, 8 1994, Oba Adewale Oluwatosin Adewole holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Ilorin and an Ordinary National Diploma in Business Administration from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. His emergence has attracted widespread attention across the state as a symbol of generational renewal within the traditional institution.
Speaking ahead of the coronation, the monarch described his ascension as a sacred responsibility.
“This is a solemn call to serve my people with humility, integrity and vision. I am committed to preserving our cherished traditions while embracing innovation, unity and partnerships that will improve the lives of our people. Together, we shall build an Ayegbaju-Ekiti that honours its past and confidently embraces the future.”
The monarch also commended the Ekiti State Government for ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible selection process.
According to him, “the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is setting an unprecedented pace in promoting the traditional institution and encouraging peaceful coexistence across the state.”
Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Sir Segun Oluwafemi, described the event as a defining moment in the history of the community noting that the coronation would celebrate the rich heritage of Ayegbaju-Ekiti while presenting the community as a peaceful, progressive and investment-friendly destination with enormous development potential.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Publicity Committee, Otunba Dr. Femi Ajayi, said the significance of the event extends beyond the ceremonial installation of a monarch.
According to him, the coronation provides a strategic opportunity to showcase the community’s history, culture and economic prospects to the national and international community.
Also speaking, Team Lead of the Ayegbaju-Ekiti Media Team and Secretary of the Coronation Publicity Committee, Amb. Adamolekun Jacob Ayomide, said the emergence of the young monarch has rekindled hope among young people.
He noted that the development demonstrates that traditional institutions can successfully combine cultural preservation with youthful leadership capable of driving innovation and community development.
In the same vein, a prominent community leader, Engr. Oludare Ale, said the coronation would further strengthen unity among the people and accelerate the community’s development aspirations.
He expressed confidence that the reign of Oba Adewale would foster stronger partnerships, attract greater investment and promote enduring prosperity for Ayegbaju-Ekiti.
The Coronation Planning Committee announced that all arrangements have been concluded for a colourful ceremony that will reflect the dignity of the traditional institution and the rich cultural heritage of Ayegbaju-Ekiti.
The committee has therefore extended invitations to traditional rulers, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, investors, tourists, members of the media and the general public to witness what promises to be a historic occasion.
The installation of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewale Oluwatosin Adewole (Amure Abe IV), is expected to stand as a defining moment in the evolution of traditional leadership in Ekiti State, symbolising the harmonious fusion of cultural heritage, youthful leadership and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
