- Akeem Mugaty, Kunmi Mustapha, Ayo Olopoeyan, Kamorudeen Aderibigbe, Others Make Event Colourful
The ancient town of Ilua in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State was agog as His Royal Highness, Oba Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere received the staff of office as the newly installed Onilua of Ilua Land.
The symbolic installation and presentation of the staff of office was conducted by the Director, Ministry of Local Government And Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola on behalf of the Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Hon Ademola Ojo.
The epoch event held on Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 at Ilua Market Square under the auspices of the Onjo of Okeho and the representatives of the state government and local council respectively was also witnessed by other traditional rulers across the council area.
The celebration also had in attendance political stalwarts, government functionaries like the Chairman, Kajola Local Government, Hon.(Barr.) Akeem Mustapha, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, Chairman, Adult and Non-formal Education (ANFE), Hon. Ayo Olopoeyan and Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe.
Also in attendance were the religious bodies which comprised Muslims, Christians, Traditionalists and and large gathering of Ilua indigenes who came from far and near.
While speaking on behalf of the state government,Mr Abiola congratulated the entire people of Ilua on the successful emergence of a new monarch after six years of interregnum.
He noted that the auspicious occasion was beyond ceremonial rite but the reaffirmation of the richly endowed Yoruba culture and heritage geared towards upholding peace, unity and development at the grassroots level.
The Director, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters admonished the monarch to see his emergence as a divine call to serve his people with greater responsibilities.
According to him, leadership in line with traditional system is anchored on fairness, justice, humility and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.
He stressed that Governor Seyi Makinde remains steadfast in his commitment to strengthening traditional institutions as vital partners in governance, security, community development and conflict management.
He added that traditional rulers are actively involved in community engagement.
Mr Abiola urged Oba Ashiru Oyebisi to work assiduously with his subjects and other stakeholders to promote peace and foster unity in his domain.
He also admonished the people of Ilua to fully support the monarch for the overall development of the ancient town.
Earlier, The Council Chairman, Akeem Mugaty, sought Ilua’s political support for Governor Seyi Makinde, having shown fairness and justice over the selection and appointment of Oba Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere as the new Onilua of Ilua Land.
He applauded Makinde as a dynamic and performing Governor who gives the traditional institution the deserved recognition in the scheme of affairs, adding that the unreserved disposition accorded the traditional institution by the Governor has invariably brought Ilua to the history which has been made.
In their various congratulatory messages,elder brother to the monarch, Hon Ige Salau Adeyemi,a childhood friend to the monarch, Chief Michael Omotosho , Alhaji Alidu Omoiya from Isemi-ile and the duo of Prince Alh Abdul- roshid Babatunde Adeleke Olunlade from Oyo and Prince Bolomope Lukmon Adekunle Olugbile from iseyin rejoiced with Oba Ashiru Oyebisi on the auspicious occasion and charged him to run an inclusive governance to foster unity among his subjects.
They urged him to forget acrimonies of the past and be a promoter of peace and unity for the growth and development of Ilua town.
The Onilua of Ilua Oba Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere in his appreciation, commended the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and his cabinet for their unalloyed support.
He promised to take the bull by the horn and emulate the footsteps of his predecessor, late Oba Samuel Afolabi Durodola whose tenure recorded significant development and remarkable achievements.
Oba Ashiru also urged all Ilua indigenes; home and abroad to contribute their quota to the development of their father’s land.
Kaseem Jenrade and Khalid Imran
