A Long Walk to the Throne

Nothing demonstrates the joy of a community better than the practical outpouring of love and festive mood into which the entire Oke-Ode Community was thrown since the night of Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025, when the long-drawn chieftaincy dispute in the town was resolved with the announcement of the appointment of Prince Muftau Akanbi Adebayo Ibrahim, Agbenuote I, as the new Elesa by the Kwara State government. An indication that the Elesaship tussle was finally coming to an end came on Monday, 1st December, when the court case that had stalled the appointment of the monarch for more than three years was quashed by an Ilorin High Court, thus clearing the coast for the appointment of the recommended Prince from the Adeogun Royal Family to the highly exalted stool of the Elesa of Oke-Ode land.

The stool had remained vacant since the demise of the last paramount ruler of the town, late Oba Abdulkadri Adelodun, in 2022. Prince Muftau, from the Adeogun Ruling House, emerged after the Oke-Ode kingmakers unanimously endorsed him, following the conclusion of all statutory traditional procedures.

Then came the much-awaited announcement on the evening of Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025, via a press statement by the Kwara State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar Bata. The soothing press statement read:

"This is to inform the general public that His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) following the completion of all due process has approved the appointment of His Royal Highness Oba Shaaba Muftau Bayo as the new Elesa of Oke - Ode as 2nd Class Monarch in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State."

The statement added that the new monarch would be presented with the Certificate of Appointment and Staff of Office the following morning.

On Wednesday, 3rd November, as early as 7.30 a.m., anxious indigenes and well-wishers of Oke-Ode had thronged the Conference Hall of the Ministry in droves in anticipation of the presentation of the Staff of Office to their beloved paramount ruler that morning. Many of them even came all the way from home and even Lagos that morning.

Contagious Joy

In an unmistakable expression of unanimous acceptance of his choice, the Hall erupted in a rousing ovation as His Royal Highness majestically made his entry at exactly 10.15a.m. in company with representatives of Igbomina Ekiti Traditional Rulers' Council. The shout of "Kaaaabiyesi ooooooo!!!" rented the air, shaking the medium-sized, capacity-filled Hall to its foundation! A truly people's king has, indeed, emerged.

Among those present in the Hall were the Chairman of the Ifelodun Local Government Council, Hon. AbdulRasheed Femi Yusuf; the Olupako of Share, Oba Olawale Haruna Ilufemiloye II; the Olomu of Omupo, HRH Oba Muhammadu Yakubu Adebayo Buhari; other members of the Ifelodun Local Government Traditional Rulers' Council, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Mrs Iyabo Modupe Adekeye; the Asiwaju of Oke - Ode, Alhaji Kola Yusuf; the Oke-Ode Kingmakers, led by their Chairman, Chief Oladosu Ekunnrin, the Eesa of Oke-Ode land; the National President of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association (OCDA), Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ajala-Bello; and the Mufasir of Oke-Ode, Sheikh Mukhtar Atobiloye, among many other dignitaries.

Presentation of Staff of Office

Presenting the Certificate of Appointment and Staff of Office to the Elesa, the Kwara State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, who represented the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, congratulated the people of Oke - Ode on the peace, maturity and cooperation displayed throughout the selection and appointment process.

The Commissioner disclosed that the presentation of Staff of Office is not only a symbol of authority but also a reminder to the new monarch that his people expect him to promote unity, fairness and justice in the town and to work closely with government at all levels to attract developmental projects to the Oke - Ode community.

Alhaji Bata also acknowledged the tremendous contributions of Ifelodun Local Government Council, the Ifelodun Traditional Council and the Oke-Ode kingmakers to the smooth transition.

In his Speech, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Council, Hon. Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, expressed sincere appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering commitment to due process, justice and community development, adding that the approval of the newly appointed monarch, after careful consultation and completion of all statutory procedures, reflects the Governor's steadfast belief in fairness and the strengthening of traditional institutions across the State.

Hon. Yusuf re- affirmed his commitment to continue partnering with the traditional institution to sustain peace, enhance security and promote the socio- economic development of Oke - Ode.

Acceptance Speech

In his acceptance speech, HRH Oba Muftau Akanbi Adebayo Ibrahim expressed gratitude to Allah and thanked the governor, the Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, the kingmakers, traditional leaders and the people of Oke-Ode for their support.

He acknowledged the long drawn legal tussle that preceded his appointment, saying it had strengthened the community's commitment to dialogue, tradition and the rule of law.

The monarch pledged to lead with humility, integrity and dedication, adding that the Staff of Office reminds him that leadership is about service to the people. He promised to work for peace, unity and development across Oke-Ode.

Oba Muftau Ibrahim said, "I stand before you today with sincere humility and gratitude, having just received the Staff of Office that symbolizes the trust placed in me as the Elesa of Oke Ode land.

"This moment belongs to the entire communityour ancestors, our families, and every son and daughter of the town who have prayed fervently for this day.

"First, I thank the Almighty Allah for His guidance through the long journey that led us here.

"To the Governor, I thank Your Excellency for honouring our tradition and for your steadfast support for the development of Oke-Ode town.

"To the Kingmakers, the Elders, the National President and members of the Executive Committee of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association, and all sons and daughters of Oke-Ode, I thank you all.

"Your resilience, your relentless prayers, and your unwavering support have been the foundation of this day.

"I recognize the long drawn legal tussle that has tested our community. Let this be a reminder that dialogue, respect for our traditions, and the rule of law are the pillars that sustain us. I pledge to honour those pillars, to listen with an open ear, and to lead with an open heart.

"I accept this sacred responsibility to lead our great community with all sense of responsibility and strong commitment to take our dear Oke-Ode to greater heights.

"The Staff of Office will remind me daily that leadership is not about power, but about service listening, protecting, and uplifting every household in our town.

"I pledge to work tirelessly for the prosperity of Oke Ode, to preserve our rich heritage, and to attract progress that would benefit all.

"May the blessings of our forebears continue to guide us, and may the peace and prosperity of Oke Ode shine brighter with each passing day."

Also speaking, the Olupako of Share, Oba Haruna thanked the government for ensuring that all appointments of traditional rulers in the last six years follow due process, reflecting transparent transitions in tandem with the wishes of the people.

The Olupako, who welcomed the newly appointed monarch, assured him of maximum support of all royal fathers from the Council for a successful reign.

Also speaking on behalf of the community, the Asiwaju of Oke - Ode Community, Alhaji Kola Yusuf, appreciated the Government for allowing the wishes of the entire people to manifest in the appointment of the new monarch. triumphal

He disclosed that with the appointment of the new Monarch, the entire community will now have a rallying point for consultation and direction.

Triumphal Homecoming amidst Fanfare

A remarkable sign that Oke-Ode is on the path of true reconciliation after the announcement of the new monarch was noticed with the presence of most of the other contenders to the throne in the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development during the Staff of Office presentation ceremony.

On Thursday, 4th December, the new Elesa made a triumphal entry into Oke-Ode accompanied by an unprecedented trail of motorcade. The royal convoy was met at Agunjin by a large crowd of jubilant Oke-Ode residents who ushered the new ruler into the town in a haze of drumming, dancing, and unprecedented fanfare.

As the convoy made its way into the Elesa Palace Ground, the whole town suddenly erupted into an expansive celebration, as the old, the young, and even the infirm could not hide their happiness over the choice of their new Oba. The scenario could be likened to a Festival of Thanksgiving. The festivity continued well into the night and it even continued the following morning, being the first Friday the Elesa would officially observe on the throne.

One of the first assignments carried out by the new Elesa was the approval of the appointment of a new Chief Imam for Oke-Ode community. He is Alhaji Imam AbdulRauf Ajisafe, who had earlier been unanimously elected by members of the Oke-Ode Council of Ulamas. Oba Muftau Ibrahim also announced the restoration of the title of Esinkin of Oke-Odeland to Alhaji Salawu Akerinla to the applause of majority of the people.

The monarch also made a proclamation on how he would want to be addressed henceforth. He said his full names would now be "HRH Oba Muftau Akanbi Adebayo Ibrahim, Agbenuote I", to which the joyous audience chorused in unison: "Ilufemiloye I"!

A Flurry of Congratulatory Messages

The Oke-Ode Community Development Association has commended the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on the approval of the appointment and presentation of Staff of Office to HRH Oba Muftau Akanbi Adebayo Ibrahim as the new Elesa of Oke-Ode land.

The National President of the Community Association, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ajala-Bello, who gave the commendation, said that by the appointment, the governor has applied a soothing balm on the series of lingering pains being experienced by the people of Oke-Ode in the recent past.

In a press statement issued on his behalf by the National Public Relations Officer of the Community Association, Mr Kunle Akogun, the community leader also expressed gratitude to the entire Kwara State Executive Council, especially the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, and the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Council, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast support for the development of Oke-Ode town.

Alhaji Ajala-Bello congratulated the new Elesa on his well-deserved appointment and prayed Almighty Allah to protect and guide him aright in his onerous task to take Oke-Ode town to greater heights.

The National President further urged all indigenes of Oke-Ode to unite behind their new traditional ruler and ensure that the community speedily regains its pride of place in Kwara State.

Several organisations and individuals also sent congratulatory messages in which they expressed happiness over the selection of the new Elesa while wishing him longevity of life as well as a successful and progressive reign in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

For Oke-Ode that had, in recent times, witnessed some socio-economic drawbacks and political marginalization on account of the absence of a paramount ruler to give pontifical direction and make necessary intercessory cases with the authorities, it is the dawn of a new era. The historic town is on the threshold of renewed hope of social cohesion, economic prosperity, and political relevance This is because the ascension of Oba Muftau Ibrahim has effectively brought an end to a sad period of protracted uncertainty and restored the hope of the townsmen in the speedy development of Oke-Ode land.

Akogun is the National Public Relations Officer of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association (OCDA)