The Ekiti State Government approved the appointment of a new traditional ruler for Oke-Ako Ekiti, ending a 25-year [1] vacancy.
The appointment is intended to restore unity and development to the community in the Ikole Local Government Area. The vacancy resulted from a prolonged chieftaincy dispute that left the throne of the Owa empty for more than two decades.
Reports on the identity of the new monarch vary among sources. Some reports identify the appointee as Prince Olarewaju Oni [1], while others name Prince Bamidele Oni [2, 3]. The appointment follows a period of instability caused by the succession battle.
The dispute had previously hindered the local administration of traditional affairs, a key component of social governance in Ekiti State. By filling the position, the state government aims to resolve the long-standing conflict that divided the community.
The Owa serves as the primary traditional authority for the Oke-Ako Ekiti people. The restoration of the monarchy is expected to provide a centralized leadership structure to facilitate local growth and community cohesion.
The resolution of the 25-year [1] dispute marks a significant shift for the Ikole Local Government Area. State officials said they approved the move to ensure that the community no longer remains without a recognized traditional head.
“The Ekiti State Government approved the appointment of a new traditional ruler for Oke-Ako Ekiti, ending a 25-year vacancy.”
The appointment of a new Owa reflects the Ekiti State Government's effort to stabilize local governance by resolving hereditary disputes. In Nigerian traditional systems, a vacant throne often leads to administrative paralysis and community fragmentation; filling this role is a strategic move to restore social order and facilitate state-led development projects in the region.
