Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has approved the appointment of three new traditional rulers for communities across Ekiti State, marking another milestone in his drive to stabilise and modernise traditional leadership in the region.
The announcement was made on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti through a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor.
The newly approved monarchs include:
1. Owa of Ayebode-Ekiti
Prince Omolayo Olusola Emmanuel of the Aketepe ruling house was approved as the Owa of Ayebode-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area. He succeeds the late Oba Augustine Tayo Famoroti of the Famoroti ruling house, who died on 24th September 2022.
Olatunbosun revealed that the selection process was conducted in line with the state’s Registered Chieftaincy Declaration, which stipulates a rotational arrangement between the Aketepe and Famoroti ruling houses. While only two out of six kingmakers, the Onisa and Sajowa, were available, two Warrant Chiefs were appointed to meet quorum and facilitate the selection.
“The provision of the Chiefs Law (2012) was strictly adhered to in the selection,” Olatunbosun said, adding that a legal notice has been authorised for publication in the State Government Gazette.
2. Elemure of Emure-Ekiti
In Emure Local Government Area, the state government approved Prince Ajiboye Babatunde James of the Abenimota ruling house as the new Elemure of Emure-Ekiti. He succeeds the late Oba Emmanuel Adebowale Adebayo of the Adumori ruling house, who passed away on 30th May 2024.
According to the commissioner, the Emure chieftaincy institution is based on a two-house rotation system, Abenimota and Adumori, with a robust council of 25 kingmakers. Thirteen surviving kingmakers unanimously participated in the selection of Prince James.
“Again, the selection followed all provisions of the Chiefs Law (2012) and will be reflected in the Government Gazette,” the statement affirmed.
3. Elesun of Esun-Ekiti
In a particularly emotional appointment, the state confirmed Prince Bankole Olasehinde Ilugbusi as the new Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, also in Ikole Local Government. He will succeed the late Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin of the Ijisun ruling house, who was tragically killed by armed bandits on 29th January 2024.
Esun-Ekiti operates under a three-house chieftaincy structure, Iloda, Atiba, and Ijisun, with four kingmakers overseeing the process. Three of the four were actively involved in selecting the new monarch.
Olatunbosun emphasised that the process followed legal and traditional guidelines, culminating in an official gazette entry.
Strengthening the Traditional Institution
These approvals are part of Governor Oyebanji’s broader strategy to reinforce the traditional institution as a pillar of local governance, development, and cultural identity. The administration has recently intensified efforts in land mapping, education reform, and regional integration, all of which align with ensuring stability at the community level.
The smooth transition processes across the three towns highlight the government’s commitment to legal due process and inclusivity, especially with the appointment of Warrant Chiefs where necessary, to resolve succession gridlocks.
The appointments come at a time when Ekiti communities are expressing renewed support for Oyebanji’s leadership, with some already endorsing him for a second term in 2026.
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