The people of the Oke-Ode community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area have commended Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for upgrading the Elesa of Oke-Ode Land, HRH Oba Mufutau Ibrahim Akanbi Adebayo, Ilufemiloye I, to a first-class traditional ruler.

The National President of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ajala-Bello, gave the commendation shortly after the presentation of the certificate of upgrading to the royal monarch on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

In a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, the National Public Relations Officer of the community association, High Chief Ganiyu Kunle Akogun, stated that the elevation coming less than a year after the appointment of the Elesa proves the governor is a man of his word.

He recalled that the governor made a firm promise to that effect in October last year during a condolence visit to the town following a bandit attack on September 28, 2025.

The governor had pledged on that occasion that once the chieftaincy dispute in the town was resolved and a new king appointed, he would upgrade the Elesa stool.

The community leader expressed gratitude to the governor for keeping his promise and pledged the continued support of the people of Oke-Ode Land.

While wishing Governor AbdulRazaq a successful completion of his tenure and divine assistance in his future endeavours, Ajala-Bello urged the governor to return the College of Nursing, Oke-Ode, to its permanent site in the town.

He noted that the conditions that warranted its temporary relocation to Ilorin last year have since normalised, as peace and adequate security have returned to the community.

The community leader also appealed to the governor to address the shortage of medical personnel at the Oke-Ode Specialist Hospital, which he said has remained grossly understaffed.

Ajala-Bello renewed the community's call on the Kwara State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen security measures across Oke-Ode and other communities in Igbominaland.

He stressed that sustainable development, economic growth and peaceful coexistence can only thrive in a safe and secure environment.

"I am calling for a sustained collaboration among the government, traditional institutions, security agencies and communities to address security challenges and protect lives and property in Oke-Ode and across Igbominaland," he said.

Ajala-Bello also thanked the State Deputy Governor, Elder Kayode Alabi; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar Bata; and the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Council, Mallam AbdulRasheed Femi Yusuf, for their respective roles in ensuring the elevation of the Elesa to first-class status.

Meanwhile, the Akogun chieftaincy family of Oke-Ode has congratulated the Elesa on his elevation.

In a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Akogun Boogun Chieftaincy Family, Alhaji AbdulRahim Akogun and Mallam Ismail Akogun respectively on Saturday, the family expressed joy over the long-awaited elevation.

"On behalf of the illustrious Akogun Boogun Chieftaincy Family of Oke-Ode, we want to heartily congratulate our royal father, Kabiyesi, the Elesa of Oke-Ode Land, HRH Oba Mufutau Ibrahim Akanbi Adebayo Ilufemiloye I, on his well-deserved and much-awaited elevation to the status of a first-class traditional ruler by the Kwara State Government.

"Indeed, this is marvellous in our eyes, as the upgrading has finally placed the Elesa stool in its rightful place among the comity of frontline royal fathers in Kwara State.

"We are particularly happy that this historic upgrading is coming less than one year into the reign of Oba Ilufemiloye, whose ascension to the throne has symbolised progress and all-round development in the Oke-Ode community.

"We pray to Almighty Allah to continue to endow our Kabiyesi with sound health, peace of mind and Solomon-like wisdom to direct the affairs of the community.

"We also wish the Elesa and the entire Oke-Ode community a successful and hitch-free ceremony during his forthcoming official coronation and the installation of his supporting chiefs," the statement reads.