- Harps on Peace, Unity For Community’s Development
The newly installed Onilua of Ilua Land, His Royal Highness, Oba Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere, has expressed profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal, members of the State Executive Council, political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries for their respective roles in the process that culminated in his emergence as monarch.
Oba Olalere conveyed his appreciation in a statement personally signed by him and made available to acrossnigerianews.com on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The monarch, whose appointment letter was issued on December 31, 2025, and who was formally installed and coronated on Thursday, January 22, 2026, described the support he received as pivotal and deserving of immense gratitude.
According to him, the successful conclusion of the selection, appointment, installation and coronation processes was made possible through God almighty, the goodwill, commitment and adherence to due process by the Oyo State Government and all stakeholders involved.
Drawing from scriptural injunctions, Oba Olalere noted that gratitude remains a sacred obligation, stressing that anyone who fails to appreciate fellow human beings may find it difficult to show genuine appreciation to God almighty.
“I cannot in any way fail to express my heartfelt gratitude to God almighty and to all those whose efforts and support made my ascension to the throne of my forefathers possible,” the monarch stated.
The Onilua specifically appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his statesmanship and respect for traditional institutions; Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. (Barr.) A.H. Hikomo; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Alhaji Ajuwon.
Others acknowledged include the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Niyi Adebisi; the Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe; the Executive Chairman of Kajola Local Government, Hon. Barr. Akeem Olawale Mustapha; and the Onjo of Okeho Land, HRM Oba Rafi’u Osuolale Mustapha.
Also commended were the renowned legal luminary, Alhaji Ahmed Raji, SAN; Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, a PDP chieftain in Oke-Ogun; Alhaji Azeez Aderoju Ogundijo(The Jagunmolu of Ilua), Hon. Isiaka Salami (Obè); and several other individuals who contributed in diverse ways to the success of the process.
The monarch emphasized that all contributors, whether mentioned by name or not, remain highly esteemed, appealing to anyone whose name was omitted to accept his sincere appreciation.
In another vein, Oba Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere called on all sons and daughters of Ilua Land, both at home and in the diaspora, to embrace peace, unity and cooperation, describing them as indispensable pillars for sustainable development and communal progress.
He assured the people of purposeful, inclusive and people-oriented leadership, pledging to work tirelessly for the advancement of Ilua Land.
The Onilua concluded with prayers for divine guidance, peace and success throughout his reign, expressing optimism that Ilua Land would witness unprecedented growth under his stewardship.
