Ogun Installs New Awujako Of Ijako-Orile Yewa, Charges Mornach On Development

The Ogun State Government has installed and presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Akeem Akintunde Akinyemi (Olaseni Olanlu II) as the new Awujako of Ijako-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area of the State, ushering in a new chapter in the history of the ancient community.

The installation ceremony which took place at Ijako-Orile attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and residents, who expressed satisfaction with the peaceful process that culminated in the emergence of the new monarch following the demise of his predecessor, Oba Matthew Ewedairo, who joined his ancestors on July 15, 2025.

Speaking with Journalists at the ceremony, one of the kingmakers, Abdul-Akeem Akinsola, commended the Ogun State Government for ensuring a smooth selection process and approving the installation of the new monarch.

He assured Oba Akinyemi of the people's support, expressing optimism that his reign would promote peace, unity and development in the community.

In separate interviews, two high chiefs in the community, Wale Junaid and Taliat Ajayi, commended the State government for approving the installation, describing it as a significant development that would usher in a new chapter in the history of the kingdom.

They called on residents to rally behind the monarch and work collectively towards advancing the community's social and economic development.

Representing the Governor, Dapo Abiodun at the ceremony, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, urged the new monarch to harness the agricultural and other economic resources within his domain to stimulate growth and development.

The Governor, who congratulated Oba Akinyemi on his emergence, stated that the selection process complied with the relevant laws and traditional requirements governing the chieftaincy institution in Ogun State. 

According to him, the emergence of the new Awujako, followed due process and complied with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, the 1958 Registered Declaration governing the stool, as well as the customs and traditions of Ijako-Orile.

He charged the monarch to promote peaceful coexistence among his subjects and prioritise the social, economic and infrastructural development of the kingdom.

"I enjoin the Oba to always promote peaceful coexistence among his people and work for the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Ijako-Orile Kingdom," the Governor said.

In his goodwill message, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by the Olu of Imasai, Oba Lukumon Kuoye, advised the new monarch to embrace inclusive leadership and ensure that the interests of all segments of the community were adequately protected.

He emphasised the importance of prudent management of community resources, noting that such resources belonged to the people and should be administered in their collective interest.

"The wealth of the community belongs to the people and should not be mismanaged," the paramount ruler said, urging the new Awujako to promote unity, fairness and accountability in the discharge of his traditional responsibilities.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr Olusola Akinbode, expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government and the paramount ruler for their respective roles in the installation process.

Akinbode, assured the people of the local government's continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and promoting grassroots development across the council area.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Akinyemi expressed gratitude to the state government for the honour and recognition accorded him.

He called on traditional chiefs, community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to join hands with him in building a peaceful and prosperous kingdom.

The monarch pledged to work closely with relevant stakeholders to move Ijako-Orile forward, stressing that collective responsibility was essential to achieving meaningful and sustainable development.

The installation marked a significant milestone for Ijako-Orile, as the community began a new chapter under the leadership of Oba Akeem Akintunde Akinyemi, with expectations centred on peace, unity, economic growth and improved community development.