Governor Adeleke Installs Afilaka as New Alatorin, Urges Peace in Atorin-Ijesa

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has officially presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the newly installed Alatorin of Atorin-Ijesa, Oba Omololu Ibitoye Afilaka, with a strong call for residents of the ancient town to embrace peace and shun violence.

The coronation ceremony took place on May 13, 2026, with the governor speaking through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Dosu Babatunde. Addressing dignitaries, traditional rulers, and indigenes gathered for the event, Governor Adeleke stressed that no meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of rancour and conflict. He warned against any acts capable of disrupting the harmony of the community and urged the people of Atakunmosa East Local Government Area to uphold the town’s ancient heritage of peace.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence across the state. He appealed to the residents to sustain the peace for which they are known and to cooperate fully with the new monarch to bring about the growth and progress the society needs.

In his response, the newly installed Oba Afilaka expressed profound gratitude to Governor Adeleke for the appointment, describing the Adeleke administration as people-oriented. The monarch noted that his emergence was the actualization of a long-standing dream, and he pledged to serve his people with dedication and commitment.

The Egbe Atunluse Ile-Ijesa, a sociocultural group in the region, has hailed the appointment, describing it as a timely development for Ijesaland. In a statement signed by the group’s Secretary, Wole Ajewole, the body urged the traditional ruler to join forces with other progressive monarchs to further the unity and development of the region.

The installation of Oba Afilaka comes after a period of legal and traditional controversies surrounding the Alatorin stool. Previous disputes involving the Ogedengbe family and questions over succession had created tensions in the community. However, the state government’s formal presentation of the Staff of Office is seen as an effort to resolve the lingering chieftaincy crisis and restore stability to Atorin-Ijesa.