After more than three decades of vacancy, the stool of Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State has been filled, as Kayode Odunaro, Chief of Staff and Media Adviser to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, was installed over the weekend.
The ancient stool, which had remained unoccupied since 1988 following the death of Odunaro’s uncle who last held the title, was revived by the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, Oba Joseph Oladele Olusoji Tella, during a traditional ceremony attended by dignitaries, family members, and indigenes of the town.
Speaking after his installation, Odunaro described the moment as a homecoming and fulfillment of ancestral responsibility.
He explained that the Osorun title is hereditary within his family, and his installation marks the continuation of a long-standing lineage role.
“I am delighted that I have just been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom. This is a very important traditional title in the kingdom as Osorun is one of the kingmakers,” he said.
“The title belongs to our family; my late uncle was installed in 1958 and held the title till he passed in 1988. So, for decades, there was a vacancy in the position of Osorun. Therefore, I am highly elated that I am filling the vacant position today after so many years of interregnum.”
Odunaro, a seasoned journalist and former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, said the new role will enable him to contribute meaningfully to the traditional development of Isaga-Orile.
“For me, it is a higher call to traditional responsibility and I will ensure that I bring experiences I garnered over the years as spokesperson of three administrations, both military and civilian in Ogun, to bear in this new title,” he added.
“Like I have done in public service, I will use this Osorun title to contribute to the growth and development of the Isaga-Orile Kingdom.”
The Onisaga of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, Oba Joseph Oladele Olusoji Tella, while performing the installation, commended the Odunaro family for preserving their heritage and charged the new Osorun to uphold the dignity of the stool.
“The Osorun stool is one of the most respected positions among the kingmakers in our kingdom. It is a position of trust and service. I am happy the family has restored their ancestral role. I have confidence in Chief Kayode Odunaro to perform his duties diligently,” the monarch said.
Also speaking, a member of the Isaga-Orile Traditional Council, Chief Adebayo Akinyemi, expressed joy at the revival of the title, describing Odunaro as a worthy son of the soil.
“Chief Odunaro has made us proud in the public space, and we believe his wealth of experience will reflect positively on our traditional council,” Akinyemi stated.
Odunaro, who already holds other traditional titles, affirmed that the Osorun title holds special significance because of its ancestral connection and the responsibility attached to the kingmaking process in the kingdom.
