Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, has been installed as Asiwaju Agbaakin by the Towulade of Owu-Akinale, His Royal Majesty Oba Oluseyi Adediran.

The installation ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, was held on Thursday in Owu-Akinale, as the monarch described the new chieftaincy title as a recognition of Olanrewaju’s contributions and commitment to the development of the community.

Olanrewaju, speaking during the installation, assured the Towulade and the people of Owu-Akinale that he would contribute his quota to the development of the community and uphold the qualities that earned him the prestigious title.

He added, “I assure you that I will ensure that I contribute my own quota to the development of Owu-Akinale, and I will continue in whatever those qualities that are in me that warranted them to give me the chieftaincy title, and I’ll improve on it.”

The NUJ chairman expressed gratitude to the Towulade for finding him worthy of the honour, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him by the traditional institution and the people of Owu-Akinale.

Olanrewaju further dedicated the honour to his parents, acknowledging their sacrifices and efforts in shaping his life and career.

He said, “I dedicate this chieftaincy to my parents for their efforts and sacrifices to make me who I am today. I was chosen not because I’m the best, but because I am one out of the best.”

Speaking at the event, the Towulade expressed appreciation to all those who attended the ceremony, assuring the people that he would continue to promote and project the image of Owu-Akinale.

The monarch also stated some of the developmental initiatives and community support projects taking place in Owu-Akinale.

He disclosed that a free medical outreach was organised as part of the activities, with medical experts available to conduct tuberculosis tests and provide free medication with support from the United Nations.

Oba Adediran expressed special appreciation to the Adebayo family, particularly Engr. Oluwole Babatunde Adebayo, the Akogun of Owu-Akinale, for the total rebuilding of the Baptist Church, Owu-Akinale, as well as the Pastorium for the use of the Christian community over the last decade.

He also commended Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi, CEO of Mogbadewa Foundation, for his contribution to the community.

According to the Towulade, “You remodeled and completely renovated our ancient and dilapidated Town Hall, whose foundation was laid on April 7, 1978, into a befitting and modern Palace. We remain eternally grateful. May God meet all your heart desires.”

Speaking on the Owu-Akinale Health Centre, the monarch said the foundation of the facility was laid on the day of his coronation by the Olowu of Owu, adding that the project had now been adopted by Chief and Mrs Yemi Odebiyi, the Asoludero of Owu-Akinale, in memory of their beloved parent.

He disclosed that the health facility would be known as the Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, Owu-Akinale, and would be commissioned in December, by God’s grace.

The Towulade also appreciated the management of Stellar Steel Company for partnering with the Towulade Educational Trust Fund to provide school bags for all pupils of Baptist Primary School, Owu-Akinale.

He further disclosed that the company had taken over the construction of the Police Station in the community, which, according to him, was already 70 per cent completed.

In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, commended the Towulade for his achievements within one year of his reign, describing the ongoing developmental projects as evidence of God’s answer to the monarch’s prayers for the community.

He said, “You will all see that in one year that God chose Towulade of Akinale, we can all see the wonders he has been doing. God has answered his prayers on the development of this community.”

The Olowu also appreciated Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi for his support for the Towulade and the Owu-Akinale community, as well as the management of Stellar Steel Company for its intervention in the construction of the police post.

According to him, “The construction of the police post will also assist in the security of the community.”

Oba Matemilola further praised the Towulade for possessing the spirit of public service and also commended the Olori of Akinale , Chief Mrs Olufolake Adediran for supporting the monarch.

He urged the people of Owu-Akinale to continue to support the Towulade, stressing that the monarch could not develop the community alone without the support of the chiefs, sons and daughters of the community.

He said, “To the community, you have seen the effort of the Kabiyesi, I want to urge you not to leave him. All the sons and daughters of Akinale that you know they can help us develop this community, let them come and see the development that is going on in Akinale. The Kabiyesi cannot do it alone without the support of the chiefs.”

The Olowu expressed optimism that with the continued support of the people, Owu-Akinale would witness significant development in the coming years.

“If you stand firm by him, within two or three years there will be development in the community,” he added.

The Towulade of Owu-Akinale, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, Otileta I, has announced activities to commemorate the first anniversary of his coronation, describing the milestone as a celebration of peace, unity, purposeful leadership, and community development.

Speaking ahead of the week-long celebration, the monarch expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Ogun State Government, traditional rulers, political leaders, and the people of Owu-Akinale for their unwavering support since his ascension to the throne one year ago.

Oba Adediran particularly acknowledged the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, and eminent royal fathers, including the Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewa land and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, for their invaluable contributions to the stability and progress of the kingdom.

The monarch also paid glowing tribute to former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and former Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, for their fatherly guidance and support.

A major highlight of the anniversary celebration will be the special recognition of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), CFR, CON, whom the monarch described as a mentor, benefactor, and source of inspiration for nearly three decades.

According to the Towulade, General Marwa’s influence has been instrumental in shaping his leadership journey, noting that the NDLEA Chairman’s counsel, encouragement, and belief in his potential over the years have become a remarkable testament to destiny fulfilled.

Oba Adediran said General Marwa’s exemplary public service, patriotism, discipline, and commitment to nation-building continue to inspire generations of Nigerians, adding that his relentless war against drug abuse has helped safeguard countless families and strengthened national development.

The monarch urged Nigerians to continue supporting the NDLEA under General Marwa’s leadership and to rally behind the Federal Government’s efforts to eradicate substance abuse, stressing that drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats to national growth, security, and the future of the nation’s youth.

Reaffirming his commitment to the progress of Owu-Akinale, Oba Adediran said his administration would continue to pursue policies and partnerships aimed at transforming the community into a peaceful, prosperous, and industrially viable town with improved infrastructure, quality healthcare, enhanced education, and better security.

As part of the anniversary, the monarch will also unveil and commission several community development projects executed through partnerships with distinguished sons, daughters, and corporate organisations.

These include the renovation of the ancient Town Hall into a modern palace, the ongoing construction of the Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, the rebuilding of the Baptist Church and Pastorium, and the construction of a Police Station being undertaken by Stellar Steel Company.

The first coronation anniversary activities will hold from Wednesday, July 22, to Saturday, July 25, 2026, featuring a press conference, inter-religious service, women’s programme, football competition, medical outreach, project commissioning, chieftaincy installations, traditional cultural displays, and a grand finale.

The Towulade called on all sons and daughters of Owu-Akinale, friends of the community, and well-wishers to join in celebrating the achievements recorded within the first year of his reign while renewing their collective commitment to building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Owu-Akinale.

In a historic turning point for traditional relations in Ijebuland, the Regent and Adele Oba, Olor’Ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, has announced the full reconciliation between the Awujale Palace and the Agemo traditional institution.

The breakthrough comes after a prolonged period of estrangement under the late monarch, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and has culminated in the formal return of Agemo representatives to the palace to pay homage following their annual festival.

While the late Awujale had continued to authorize and support the festival throughout his lifetime, personal and institutional relations had been severely strained following past disagreements.

Consequently, the late ruler had ceased attending or receiving Agemo activities personally, and the traditional Agemo dance within Ijebu-Ode had been suspended for roughly seven years, even though sacred rites at Imosan went ahead uninterrupted.

Addressing journalists from Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Saturday, Dr. Kuku emphasized the deep cultural and symbolic weight of welcoming the traditional groups back to the palace on behalf of the currently vacant throne.

He highlighted that the Agemo Festival remains the oldest foundational custom of the Ijebu people that functions entirely under the ultimate authority of the Awujale.

“You know the most celebrated festival in Ijebu is the Agemo Festival. That is the traditional customary festival that has been there since eternity. They have been out for the last one week and they’ve performed all the rites they need to perform. They’ve danced, they’ve eaten and they’ve visited sacred places. The Agemo is a festival of the Awujale and they have done it on the consent of the Awujale. If he says it cannot be done, it will not be done.”

Dr. Kuku, who is steering the Council of the Awujale during this transition period, explained that the various groups returned to the palace after completing a week of processes, sacrifices, and visits to historical sites.

“So after they finished yesterday, they now came today to thank the Awujale. I, as the Adele, received them along with members of the Adele Council. They came to perform that function today.”

The decision to bridge the gap was described as a deliberate effort by the Adele Council to foster harmony and heal lingering internal rifts across the kingdom.

“If we recall, before the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, he stopped gracing the festival because they offended him and Ijebuland despite supporting and allowing them their activities. We as a council said it is time to settle problems. We want peace to come and Agemo, being the foremost traditional masquerade, we want peace to go through there too.”

According to the Regent, this wave of reconciliation fueled immense enthusiasm, making this year’s celebration exceptionally vibrant.

“That’s why they are so happy. This year’s Agemo was one of the best ever.”

Drawing a parallel to the recent Ojude Oba Festival, which was also observed following the monarch’s demise, Dr. Kuku reiterated that the enduring heritage of the Ijebu people is bigger than any single individual.

“The monarch is gone, but the culture and tradition stand. It was celebrated in his name until somebody else is elected, selected or chosen.”

The visit by the Agemo representatives served not only as an expression of appreciation for the palace’s open doors but also as an opportunity to secure a commitment that this restored peace would be maintained moving forward.

“The king in absentia has forgiven them. The throne has forgiven them and they have once again been brought back into society. Forgiveness is the way forward. That is the only way we can unite and propel peace in Ijebuland. That was why they came today to show gratitude and respect for the grace given, as well as asking if the grace extends till next year, and we have assured them of our willingness to work with them pending the time we have a new Awujale.”

Dr. Kuku assumed traditional executive leadership of the kingdom following the passing of Oba Adetona on July 13, 2025.

In his capacity as the Ogbeni Oja and Regent Awujale, he is overseeing the current transition as kingmakers from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House work toward selecting the next monarch.

This year’s festival marked the first Agemo celebration since the monarch’s passing and the first time in seven years that the traditional Agemo dance returned to the streets of Ijebu-Ode, signaling a major milestone for cultural continuity and unity in the region.