Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed the crucial place of traditional institutions in sustaining peace, security and social cohesion across the state, describing the authority of royal fathers as a stabilising force in community life.
The governor gave the remarks on Saturday at the palace of the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, Oba (Dr.) Yussuf Adebori Adeleye, during the monarch’s elevation into the revered Traditional Elders Council (Ihare), a ceremony that also featured the elevation of the Egbe Mabolaje of Ibaka Oka.
Aiyedatiwa, who described the gathering as significant in the cultural history of Oka-Akoko, said the Olubaka’s entry into the Ihare circle underscored his long-standing commitment to order, wisdom and the preservation of the town’s heritage. He noted that the honour, reserved for individuals of exceptional character and influence, reflected the monarch’s steady and peaceful reign.
The governor congratulated the indigenes of Oka-Akoko at home and in the diaspora, praising the Egbe Mabolaje for its role in strengthening unity and discipline through traditional age-grade structures.
He used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to sustaining the dignity and relevance of traditional rulers, whom he described as dependable partners in conflict mediation, grassroots engagement and community stability.
"I warmly felicitate His Imperial Majesty, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, on the celebration of this year’s Ihare festival, which also coincides with his birthday," the Governor said.
He added that the Ihare festival remains one of the most defining cultural ceremonies in Oka-Akoko.
"This year’s celebration is even more significant as it marks the 82nd birthday of a monarch whose life and leadership embody wisdom, dignity and unbroken devotion to his people," he added.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted the monarch’s contributions at both state and national levels, recalling his service as a pioneer member of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, former Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and pioneer Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University.
In his address, the Olubaka described the elevation as a transition into Ihare, a sacred grade built on age, wisdom and resilience. He traced his journey through education, the legal profession, the bench and eventually the throne, noting that each stage prepared him for service to Oka.
He emphasised that the Ihare honour is strictly age-based and that the walking sticks presented to celebrants represent endurance and wisdom, not frailty. He also underscored the enduring value of age-grade institutions in Yoruba society, describing them as moral compasses and community stabilisers long before the rise of modern state structures.
The monarch said these institutions continue to serve Oka land under his reign, driving unity, education, peace and social development.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, the Yeye Aare Arimuyangan of Oka Land, Senator Jackson Bent, commended the Olubaka for the recognition and urged residents of Ondo State to sustain support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s development goals.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Akogun Olugbenga Omole, expressed gratitude to the governor, the traditional council and the people of Oka for the success of the ceremony.
The statement was issued by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
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