Shekinat Abubakar
The Ekiti State Government will on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 install the 32-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Adewale Oluwatosin Adewole (Amure Abe IV), as the Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti, in what officials describe as the installation of the state’s youngest traditional ruler in recent years.
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is expected to present the Staff of Office to the new monarch at a grand coronation ceremony in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area.
The event is expected to attract traditional rulers, senior government officials, political leaders, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, and sons and daughters of Ayegbaju-Ekiti from home and abroad.
Officials said the coronation marks a significant milestone for the community and the traditional institution in Ekiti, ushering in youthful, visionary and inclusive leadership while reinforcing cultural values.
Beyond the installation, the ceremony is expected to project Ayegbaju-Ekiti’s cultural heritage, tourism potential and investment opportunities, and create prospects for sustainable socio-economic development.
Oba Adewale emerged following a transparent selection process conducted in line with the Registered Chieftaincy Declaration and the Chiefs Law (2012) of Ekiti State.
The Ekiti State Executive Council, at its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, approved his appointment after confirming that all statutory and traditional procedures had been complied with.
The stool became vacant following the passing of the late Owa, Oba Solomon Adeloye, on February 15, 2024. In line with the Registered Declaration, the Ejisun Ruling House, the sole recognized ruling house, presented the candidate, while four of the five kingmakers performed their traditional roles.
Born on March 8, 1994, Oba Adewale 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 drawn attention as a symbol of generational renewal in 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,”* he said.
Oba Adewale also commended the Oyebanji administration for ensuring a peaceful and credible selection process, noting that “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 that will celebrate Ayegbaju-Ekiti’s heritage while positioning the community as peaceful, progressive and investment-friendly.
Chairman of the Publicity Committee, Otunba Dr. Femi Ajayi, said the coronation provides a strategic opportunity to showcase the community’s history, culture and economic prospects to national and international audiences.
Team Lead of the Ayegbaju-Ekiti Media Team, Amb. Adamolekun Jacob Ayomide, said the emergence of the young monarch has rekindled hope among youths.
Community leader, Engr. Oludare Ale, expressed confidence that the reign of Oba Adewale would foster stronger partnerships, attract investment and promote enduring prosperity.
The Coronation Planning Committee said all arrangements have been concluded for a colourful ceremony and has invited traditional rulers, government officials, the diplomatic corps, investors, tourists and the media to witness the historic occasion.
