Agbele-Asa, an agrarian border community in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, has witnessed a historic milestone with the installation of its first monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba Rahmon Ajibade Abisekan, the Alagbele of Agbele-Asa Kingdom (Ile Igbo I).
The monarch formally received his Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment at a colourful ceremony held in the community last Wednesday.
The presentation was performed on behalf of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimi-Olu Akinlesi, who represented the Commissioner, Hon. Ganiyu Oladunjoye Hamzat.
The historic development was particularly significant to the community’s 97-year-old elder and pillar, Otunba Ephraim Lana Akintan, who described the occasion as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
Akintan praised Governor Abiodun for approving the traditional stool and facilitating the installation of Oba Abisekan.
He said the successful installation of the monarch made him feel accomplished after years of waiting for the community to have its own traditional ruler.
Similarly, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun, a prominent community leader and Chairman of IBD IMPEX QUARRY LTD, expressed appreciation to the governor for what he described as a listening administration.
Egungbohun said the installation marked a turning point in the history of Agbele-Asa, adding that the new monarch would be expected to use his position to promote development and improve the welfare of the people.
He also commended the unity displayed by residents and thanked individuals and groups that contributed to the success of the ceremony.
The event also took a political turn as the lawmaker representing Yewa North II State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Wahab Egungbohun, urged residents to remain committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He appealed to the people to support the APC consensus governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The lawmaker linked the presentation of the Staff and Instrument of Office to the community’s support for the APC in the previous election and urged residents to reciprocate by supporting Adeola in 2027.
He also promised that the rehabilitation of roads in the area would be guaranteed if the people voted for the APC candidate.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle Gbadewole, represented by the Olu of Imasai, HRM Oba (Dr) Lukmon Olalekan Kuoye, formally welcomed Oba Abisekan into the Council of Yewa Traditional Rulers.
The Olu of Ilaro charged the new monarch to unite all residents of Agbele-Asa and promote peaceful coexistence, stressing that peace and security remained essential to community development.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Abisekan described his ascension to the throne of his forefathers as a call to service and pledged to usher in an era of growth, peace and unity across Agbele-Asa Kingdom.
The monarch expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for recognising and validating the choice of the people, promising to collaborate with the state government to attract critical infrastructure, improve security and create economic opportunities for the border community.
He also called on sons and daughters of Agbele-Asa, both at home and abroad, to join hands with him in building a prosperous kingdom.
The installation ceremony also showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, with several cultural troupes entertaining guests throughout the event.
The Bolojo cultural troupe performed in colourful traditional attire, while local hunters fired ceremonial gunshots to herald the arrival and presence of the new monarch.
The legendary Gbedu drums also provided a lively atmosphere as royal bards rendered ancestral praise songs before the monarch received his Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment.
The ceremony attracted religious leaders, members of the Council of Chiefs, representatives of the Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation (OLAKHURF), market men and women, as well as various socio-cultural groups, with celebrations continuing into the night.
