13/09/2026
OUTCOME OF THE MEETING WITH THE ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT ON THE IDANRE OBASHIP PROCESS
I wish to brief the good people of Idanre Kingdom on the outcome of the meeting held with the Ondo State Government concerning the ongoing process for the selection and installation of the next Owa of Idanre Land.
At the meeting, I, in my capacity as the Regent of Idanre Land, alongside the Chairman of Idanre Local Government and other Kingmakers of Idanre Kingdom, met with the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
During the meeting, a memorandum from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) was presented, read and carefully analyzed. The memorandum highlighted certain issues concerning the existing Idanre Chieftaincy Declaration and the documentation submitted to the State Government.
It was made known that the late monarch did not complete the necessary updating of the Idanre Chieftaincy Declaration with the State Government. However, the State Government has already updated certain aspects of the Declaration, particularly the provision relating to Omo Ori Opo, which remains a fundamental foundation of the traditional kingship process in Idanre.
As aptly stated in the memorandum:
“Without a foundation, there can be no building.”
The memorandum also raised the issue of the ₦5 million withdrawal from the Obaship Process Account by the Kingmakers and emphasized the need for proper accountability and clarification regarding the expenditure.
GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THE KINGMAKING PROCESS
The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs acknowledged the intervention and contributions of Chief Pius Akinyelure, together with other eminent and concerned sons and daughters of Idanre Kingdom who have shown commitment to ensuring the successful resolution of the Obaship process.
Following these interventions and the Government’s recognition of the circumstances surrounding the Idanre Obaship process, the strict requirements relating to certain aspects of the non-documented Chieftaincy Declaration have, for the time being, been relaxed.
Consequently, the Kingmakers of Idanre Kingdom are now in a position to exercise their traditional responsibility of selecting the next Owa of Idanre Land, without the intervention of warrant chiefs.
This development represents an important opportunity for the Kingmakers to discharge their historic responsibility in accordance with the traditions, customs and interests of Idanre Kingdom.
A CALL FOR UNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
It is important to emphasize that:
“A Regent has limited authority, but a duly crowned Owa has the full traditional authority to demand and pursue meaningful development for the kingdom.”
I therefore appeal to all sons and daughters of Idanre Kingdom to remain calm, united and focused on achieving a successful, transparent and credible Obaship process, rather than engaging in the spread of rumours, speculation or unverified information on social media.
The Idanre Obaship is sacrosanct and above every individual interest. No personal ambition or disagreement should be allowed to undermine the collective interest, unity and future of Idanre Kingdom.
Our primary objective must remain the peaceful selection and installation of a capable and acceptable Owa who will unite our people and provide the traditional leadership necessary to advance the development and prosperity of Idanre Land.
APPRECIATION
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Chairman of Idanre Local Government, Barrister Smart Omotadowa, who expressed appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Government of Ondo State for granting Idanre Kingdom the opportunity to proceed with the traditional Kingmakers’ responsibility of selecting the next Owa of Idanre Land.
We appreciate the Ondo State Government for its intervention and continued attention to the affairs of Idanre Kingdom.
May wisdom, unity and peace continue to guide the Kingmakers and the entire people of Idanre in this historic process.
Long Live Idanre Kingdom!
Idanre A Gbé Wa!
High Chief AKINLOYE AKINBONI
The Regent and Ojomo of Idanre Land
E-signed:
Hon. Wole Akingbasote
Special Adviser - on Media & Publicity for Idanre Royal Transitional Council 2026
