ELERUWA, IBARAPA MONARCHS HONOUR AYANDELE, ALASHE WITH PRESTIGIOUS CHIEFTAINCY TITLES IN ERUWA

Royal ceremony celebrates service, community development as Eleruwa’s first coronation anniversary activities begin

The ancient town of Eruwa came alive with royal splendour and rich Yoruba cultural heritage as His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, the Eleruwa of Eruwaland, conferred prestigious traditional titles on two distinguished sons of Ibarapa Land and their spouses on TAugust 27, 2026

The colourful ceremony, held at the Palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwaland, attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, academics, professionals, community leaders, family members and other dignitaries from across Ibarapa Land, Oyo State and beyond.

The event also served as the first major public engagement marking activities leading to the First Coronation Anniversary of the Eleruwa, scheduled for September 2–6, 2026.

Among those honoured was Dr. Olusola Ayandele, popularly known as Eruobodo, who was installed as the Bobagunwa of Eruwaland, while his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufolayimika Ayandele, received the title of Yeye Bobagunwa of Eruwaland.

Also honoured was Chief Adewale Atanda, popularly known as Alase, who was installed as the Otunba of Ibarapa Land, while his wife, Erelu Abimbola Atanda, was honoured as the Yeye Otunba of Ibarapa Land.

The conferment of the Otunba of Ibarapa Land title was endorsed by the Council of Ibarapa Traditional Rulers, in recognition of Chief Atanda’s contributions and impact across the wider Ibarapa community.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Eleruwa said the honours were bestowed in recognition of the recipients’ exemplary character, service to humanity, economic empowerment initiatives and commitment to community development.

The monarch emphasised that chieftaincy titles should not be regarded merely as symbols of prestige, but as a renewed mandate to serve, give back and contribute meaningfully to society.

According to him, recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves through service is part of the responsibility of the traditional institution to celebrate excellence, inspire others and encourage continued contributions towards the development of the community.

Responding on behalf of the newly installed chiefs, the Bobagunwa of Eruwaland, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, expressed profound appreciation to the Eleruwa and the traditional institutions for the honour.

He pledged that the recognition would further strengthen their commitment to socio-economic development, youth empowerment and community-based initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of people across Ibarapa Land.

The ceremony was further enriched by traditional musical performances, royal praise poetry, cultural displays and other elements of Yoruba heritage, reflecting the enduring relevance and richness of the region’s traditional institutions.

The royal occasion attracted several prominent government officials and political leaders, including Moses Alake Adeyemo, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State; Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Ayobami Fasina, Head of Service, Oyo State; Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election; Hon. Saminu Rilwan Gbadamosi (Wale Canada), member representing Saki East/Atisbo State Constituency; and Hon. Wasilat Adegoke Adefemi, Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports.

Others included Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; Prof. Lanre Olaniyan, Vice-Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Prof. Jonathan Adedokun, Rector, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; Hon. Seun Fakorede, Executive Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Youth and Sports; and Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, Chairman, Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

The ceremony also witnessed a strong representation of traditional rulers from across Ibarapa Land.

Among the monarchs present were Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye Asoroolu V, the Olu of Igbo-Ora; Oba Abdul Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi Ariwoola, Aako II, the Asigangan of Igangan Land; Oba Emmanuel Ewuola Okeniyi, the Asawo of Ayete; Oba Kingsley Aderoju Onikola Olufiji II, the Onidere of Idere; and Oba Sunday Bolawaye Oladejo Oguntayi II, the Onilala of Lanlate.

Also present were Oba Titiloye Sunday Owolabi, the Elempe of Tapa; Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmus, Ayeleso III, the Oluaso of Iberekodo; Oba Zaccheaus Olatunji Oyeleke Gbadewole I, the Olu-Igbo of Igbojaye Land; and Oba Isiaka Bayonle Oyedokun Kehinde, Ibitoye Oyekanmi II, the Onitabo of Itabo, Lanlate

Other traditional and community leaders included Chief Ibiyosi Ogundiran, Iyalode of Itabo Land, and Chief James Olugbela Adeleke, Baale of Igbodudu and Alasa.

The gathering of royal fathers and community leaders underscored the growing cooperation among traditional institutions, government and community stakeholders in advancing the interests, peace and development of Ibarapa Land.

Beyond the conferment of the titles, the event marked the beginning of a series of activities leading to the First Coronation Anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwaland, with celebrations scheduled to continue from September 2 to 6, 2026.

A major highlight will be the September 5 grand ceremony at the Eleruwa Palace, during which the newly renovated and extended palace is expected to be commissioned by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde.

The Governor and the First Lady of Oyo State are also expected to receive traditional honours during the ceremony. Governor Makinde is billed to be honoured with the title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapa Land, while the First Lady will receive the title of Yeye Aare Asoludero of Ibarapa Land.

For the Eleruwa Palace, the conferment of the titles represents far more than the celebration of individual accomplishments. It is a reaffirmation of the traditional institution’s role in recognising excellence, preserving Yoruba cultural values, promoting unity and encouraging distinguished individuals to channel their influence and resources towards the collective development of their people.

The Palace congratulated the newly installed title holders and urged them to regard the honours as a renewed mandate for greater service, responsibility and commitment to the development of Eruwaland and Ibarapa Land.

The Eleruwa also expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, community leaders, families, guests and members of the media who attended the ceremony and contributed to its success.

The Palace reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the heritage and dignity of Eruwaland while positioning the traditional institution as a platform for peace, unity, responsible leadership, cultural preservation and sustainable community development