By Ayodele Abere
His Royal Majesty, Dr. Victor Adeleke Bobade, Okeoro 11, the Onire of Ire-Ekiti, has charged the sons and daughters of the town to always resolve differences through dialogue as he also advised them to uphold respect for constituted authority, and reject sectional interests in all ramifications.
The monarch gave the charge in his address during his 20th coronation anniversary held in the ancient town on Friday, 27th February, 2026.
According to the royal father, “two decades ago, when destiny and tradition placed upon my shoulders the sacred responsibility of serving as custodian of our culture and guardian of our people, I accepted the priceless honour of the throne in December 2005.
“I did so with a solemn pledge to uphold the dignity of our heritage, preserve the unity of the good people of Iremogun, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our kingdom.
“Today, with profound gratitude to Almighty God and deep humility in my heart, I stand before you as we commemorate twenty impactful years since I ascended the revered throne of my forefathers as the Onire of Ire-Ekiti.
“This 20th Coronation Anniversary is not merely a celebration of time; it is a celebration of resilience, unity, heritage, and purposeful leadership”, Oba Bobade stated.
Speaking further, the traditional ruler maintained that one of the defining features of the anniversary was the installation of new chiefs into the Traditional Council of his kingdom.
“Let it be clearly understood that chieftaincy is not merely an ornament of prestige, but a covenant of service. Those installed today are entrusted with the demanding responsibility of leadership, integrity, and accountability.
“Traditional leadership in the 21st century requires wisdom anchored in history and actions guided by present realities. You must remain relevant without compromising our values and serve as custodians of unity and ambassadors of progress within your domains”, the monarch advised.
While appreciating the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Oba Bobade fervently prayed along with the good people of Ire-Ekiti, that by the special grace of God, they shall all sing a new song come June 2026.
In his own address, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Tayo Adeleye, Esq, said to Onire of Ire-Ekiti, that kingship is not merely about royalty, but a genuine call to service, offering purposeful leadership, promoting and protecting the community’s cherished culture. Adding that his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people of Ire-Ekiti speaks volumes.
Rejoicing with everyone conferred with honour at the occasion, he prayed that their tenure would bring continued unity, progress, prosperity, and honour to Ire-Ekiti and their respective families.
The former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, urged the entire people of Ire-Ekiti to continue to support every initiative to grow the town.
“This is a town that is very historic, if we continue to work together with the visions of the people who are also in position of authority, we can grow this town so that in the next 20 years, Kabiyesi will be fulfilled and every one of us would feel fulfilled that we have contributed our quota to the development of the community.
Noting that the monarch’s immediate predecessor, late Kabiyesi Adeyeye, has laid a very strong foundation for Oba Bobade said they are delighted that the monarch has continued to strive to build on the foundation his predecessor has laid for him.
“You can see from the turnout today, the number of people who have come from far and near showing up for Kabiyesi, it shows greatly that he is a very popular king, and very acceptable, very relatable as well, and we are delighted that we have a king like him at this time”, Hon. Daramola stated.
Also, the newly installed Bamofin of Ire-Ekiti, Chief Gbenga Agbaje who’s highly elated being a member of the community, said being honoured by his town was a great thing which he said he really cherish.
Giving credence to the monarch, he described Oba Bobade as an elder brother to him, saying he was very close to his elder brother when they were young.
“We cherish him a lot, he is a a good man and he’s been performing. I wish him good luck”.
He called on all the sons and daughters of the town to continue doing their best for the community. “We have no other community other than this, we were all brought up here”, he added.
Similarly, Chief Femi Osasuyi, Aare Bobatolu of Ire-Ekiti, said he would always wish the royal father more fruitful and impactful years on the throne, saying the last 20 years has been challenging.
“we’ve had our ups and downs, at the end of the day, God took control, It’s worth celebrating, I wish him all the best in good health and sound mind”, Chief Osatuyi prayed.
Aare Bobatolu stressed that Ire-Ekiti has begun to prosper and that the community is moving forward as a people, urging everyone coming together especially now that the town is progressing.
Highlight of the occasion well graced by royal fathers and eminent personalities from far and near were Homages paid to the monarch by various groups in the town.
