Ogun installs Akinyemi as Awujako of Ijako-Orile Yewa, charges monarch on development

Ogun State government has installed Oba Akeem Akintunde Akinyemi Olaseni Olanlu II, as the Awujako of Ijako-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.

The installation ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and residents, who expressed satisfaction with the peaceful process that culminated in the emergence of Oba Akinyemi, following the demise of Oba Matthew Ewedairo, on July 15, 2025.

In a statement by the council’s Zonal Information Officer, Mr Lateef Akintunde, one of the kingmakers, Abdulakeem Akinsola, commended the government for ensuring a smooth selection process and approving the installation of the monarch.

Similarly, Agba Akin Wale Junad and Ogboye Taliat Ajayi, in separate interviews, praised the government for approving the installation, describing it as a significant development that would usher in a new chapter in the history of the kingdom.

Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, urged the monarch to harness the agricultural and other economic resources in his domain to stimulate growth and development.

The governor, who congratulated Oba Akinyemi, stated that the selection process complied with the relevant laws and traditional requirements governing the chieftaincy institution in the state.

Abiodun stated that the emergence of the Awujako followed due process and complied with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, the 1958 Registered Declaration governing the stool, as well as the customs and traditions of Ijako-Orile.

He charged the monarch to promote peaceful coexistence among his subjects and prioritise the social, economic and infrastructural development of the kingdom.

In his message, the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by the Olu of Imasai, Oba Lukumon Kuoye, advised the new monarch to embrace inclusive leadership and ensure that the interests of all segments of the community were adequately protected.

He said: “The wealth of the community belongs to the people and should not be mismanaged”, urging Ọba Akinyemi to promote unity, fairness and accountability in the discharge of his traditional responsibilities.

Earlier, chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr Olusola Akinbode, expressed appreciation to the government and the paramount ruler for their respective roles in the installation process.

Akinbode assured the people of the local government’s continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and promoting grassroots development in the council.

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In his acceptance speech, Oba Akinyemi expressed gratitude to the government for the honour and recognition accorded him.

He called on traditional chiefs, community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to join hands with him in building a peaceful and prosperous kingdom.

The monarch pledged to work closely with relevant stakeholders to move the community forward, stressing that collective responsibility is essential to achieving meaningful and sustainable development.