Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has officially presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the new Olojudo of Ido-Osun, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jokotola Olayinka Tunde.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, marked a milestone for the Ido-Osun community, coming exactly one year after the passing of the former Olojudo, Oba Dr. Aderemi Adedapo.
In his address, Governor Adeleke paid glowing tribute to the late monarch, describing him as a true patriot who was deeply committed to peace, welfare, and development.
“The immediate past Olojudo was acknowledged by all and sundry as a lover of peace who was exemplary in catering for the welfare of his people.”
“Kabiyesi was also during his lifetime committed to the growth and development of Osun State. He was the Secretary of the Traditional Council of Nigeria and a Vice Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas,” he said.
Governor Adeleke explained that the succession process followed due legal and traditional guidelines.
According to him, the 1956 registered Chieftaincy Declaration was used, which confirmed it was the turn of the Adenko Ruling House to produce the next Olojudo. Seventeen candidates were presented to the Kingmakers of Ido-Osun, and following the selection exercise held on November 22, 2024, Prince Jokotola Olayinka Tunde emerged as the chosen candidate. His appointment was subsequently approved by the Osun State Executive Council on November 28, 2024.
While congratulating the newly installed monarch, Governor Adeleke reminded him that the time for competition was over and the duty of leadership had begun.
“Now that you are on the throne of your forefathers, the period of contest is over and the period of administering the community has begun.”
“See yourself as the father of all citizens of Ido-Osun, both at home and in the diaspora. Do all you can to unite everyone behind you and daily seek the growth and development of Ido-Osun, Egbedore South LCDA, Osun State, and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
The governor also urged the new monarch to work hand in hand with his administration for the good of the state.
“Cooperate with my administration and mobilize your people to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the state,” he noted.
Addressing the people of Ido-Osun, Governor Adeleke acknowledged their patience and aspirations.
“The Government listened to your yearnings and actualized your aspirations with the installation of a new Oba and various developmental projects in your area,” he remarked.
He urged residents to be law-abiding, pay their taxes and levies, and collaborate with their local council leadership to move the community forward.
In his message to the traditional rulers present at the ceremony, Governor Adeleke pledged continued support for the traditional institution.
“I enjoin you all to continue to support my administration, and I promise to continue to pay maximum attention to the traditional institution in the state.”
“We will continue to give due recognition to your roles as custodians of our revered tradition and culture,” he maintained.
Reaffirming his commitment to his campaign promises, the governor stated that his government has been prudent with state resources to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy across Osun.
“Today’s occasion is a proof of our respect for the traditional institution and our commitment to make life worth living for the people at the grassroots,” he emphasized.
Governor Adeleke concluded by urging the youth not to allow themselves to be used for violence or social vices that could disrupt peace in the state.
“I wish to appeal to our youths not to allow themselves to be used for the act of thuggery and other social vices that can truncate the peace and tranquility of the state,” he warned.
