Ekiti community gets monarch after 25-year chieftaincy dispute

Prince Olarewaju Oni is the new Owa of Oke-Ako Ekiti, following the Ekiti State Government's approval of his appointment. This decision brings an end to a protracted chieftaincy dispute that has left the community without a substantive monarch for over 25 years. The approval was granted during a meeting of the Ekiti State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The appointment is anticipated to restore the traditional institution and foster unity, stability, and development within Oke-Ako Ekiti. The Owa stool is governed by a Chieftaincy Declaration that designates two Ruling Houses, Aofin and Okediosan, to share the position through rotation. The previous Owa hailed from the Okediosan Ruling House, making the Aofin Ruling House next in line.

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The appointment is expected to restore the traditional institution of Oke-Ako Ekiti after more than two decades without a substantive occupant and provide a new platform for unity, stability and development in the community.

The Aofin Ruling House comprises three branches: Oke-Aofin, Odo-Aofin, and Afata. After approximately 25 years of legal battles over which branch was entitled to present candidates, the Supreme Court ruled on December 19, 2025, affirming that all male members from the three branches could contest for the chieftaincy. This judgment paved the way for stakeholders to reach a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ensuring equity and communal harmony.

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The official approval of Prince Oni marks the conclusion of a long journey for the people of Oke-Ako Ekiti. For over 25 years, the community has waited patiently for the emergence of a substantive monarch following years of litigation and uncertainty over the traditional stool.

Under this agreement, the Oke-Aofin branch, which had never held the Owa title, was designated to present candidates for the current vacancy. The Odo-Aofin branch will have its turn when the Aofin Ruling House's next vacancy arises. The selection process adhered to traditional practices, including Ifa divination, and legal requirements, resulting in Prince Bamidele Olanrewaju Oni being unanimously chosen by the four kingmakers as the Owa-elect.

Muyiwa Olukosi, the National Public Relations Officer for the Oke Ako Progressives Union, congratulated the community on this development. He stated that the official approval signifies the conclusion of a long wait for the people of Oke-Ako Ekiti, marking the beginning of a new era characterized by unity, peace, stability, and progress.

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His emergence and official approval therefore mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Oke-Ako Ekiti, one that will offer unity, peace, stability and development.