The process for the installation of a new Oloba of Obaile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State has commenced, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to ensuring a transparent and peaceful selection in line with the Ondo State Chiefs Law and the community’s traditional customs.
This resolution was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, attended by local government officials, princes and princesses of Obaile, kingmakers, traditional chiefs, and prominent sons and daughters of the community.
The meeting unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the rotational arrangement between the two recognised ruling houses, it is the turn of the Elegbejeogbo Ruling House to produce the next Oloba of Obaile.
Speaking at the meeting, the Elemo of Obaile and head of the kingmakers, High Chief Gbemisayo Oluwatimilehin, urged members of the Elegbejeogbo Ruling House to submit the names of qualified princes interested in the throne within the stipulated timeframe.
He appealed to members of the ruling house to conduct the selection process peacefully and avoid actions capable of causing division or discord.
High Chief Oluwatimilehin also explained the steps already taken by the kingmakers in line with the provisions of the Ondo State Chiefs Law and Obaile tradition, stressing the need for the ruling house to present credible candidates promptly.
According to him, the kingmakers will carry out a thorough screening of all eligible aspirants to ensure that the most suitable candidate is selected in accordance with the customs and traditions of Obaile Kingdom.
Several prominent indigenes who addressed the gathering, including former Ondo State Head of Service, Mrs. Kosemani Kolawole, and The former Commissioner for Transport in Ondo State, Otunba Omoniyi Omodara, called on members of the Elegbejeogbo Ruling House to remain united and present qualified aspirants for the revered stool.
They reaffirmed that the Oloba stool rotates between the two recognised ruling houses and maintained that the current vacancy rightly belongs to the Elegbejeogbo Ruling House.
The meeting resolved that the ruling house should forward the names of interested princes to the kingmakers on or before Sunday to enable the next stage of the selection process to commence.
The Oloba stool became vacant following the death of the late Oloba of Obaile, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade, Otutubiotun I, who passed away in May 2025.
Following his demise, his first daughter, Princess Adefoluke Agunbiade-Adu, was installed as the Regent to oversee the affairs of the community pending the emergence and installation of a substantive monarch.
The ongoing selection process is therefore expected to culminate in the appointment of a new Oloba in accordance with the Ondo State Chiefs Law and the customs and traditions of Obaile Kingdom.
