Akintan, Egungbohun Hail Abiodun as Agbele-Asa Gets First Monarch

The agrarian border community of Agbele-Asa in Yewa North LGA, Ogun State, exploded into a frenzy of celebration on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as the state government officially presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to its first monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba Rahmon Ajibade Abisekan, the Alagbele of Agbele-Asa Kingdom (Ile Igbo I).

The historic event, which took place at the Local Government Primary School field in Asa, brought a joyful conclusion to decades-long quest for traditional and administrative recognition aimed at attracting rapid infrastructure and socio-economic development to the frontier community.

The presentation ceremony was performed on behalf of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimi-Olu Akinlesi, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Ganiyu Oladunjoye Hamzat.

According to a 97-year-old community pillar, Otunba Ephraim Lana Akintan, the day marked the ultimate fulfillment of a lifelong pursuit.

An emotional Otunba Akintan heaped praises on Governor Abiodun for assenting his signature to the long-awaited traditional stool.

“That Governor Abiodun successfully installed Oba Abisekan as the Alagbele of Agbele-Asa makes me feel accomplished in life,” he said.

Corroborating the nonagenarian’s sentiment, a prominent community leader and Chairman of IBD IMPEX QUARRY LTD, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Abiodun for leading a listening administration. He noted that the installation of Oba Abisekan marks a major turning point for the community.

“Help me to thank my Governor, our listening Governor Dapo Abiodun, MFR,” Egungbohun said.

“Today marks a milestone in the history of Yewaland, Ketuland, and Ogun State in general. I am sure that going forward, Oba Abisekan will leverage his kingship to prioritize the development of Agbele-Asa and its esteemed population.”

Chief Egungbohun also lauded the unity of the community, using Baba Lana (Otunba Akintan) as a respected point of contact to thank everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the success of the coronation.

Adding a political dimension to the event, the lawmaker representing Yewa North II State Constituency at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Wahab Egungbohun, urged the people to remain committed to their determination to vote for the APC consensus candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, in the upcoming 2027 governorship election.

The legislator reminded the gathering that the presentation of the Staff and Instrument of Office was the direct result of their loyalty to the ruling party in the last election. Hon. Egungbohun added that if they cast their votes for Senator Solomon Adeola in the 2027 election, the rehabilitation of their roads would be guaranteed.

The *Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland*, HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Gbadewole, ably represented by the Olu of Imasai, HRM Oba (Dr) Lukmon Olalekan Kuoye, warmly welcomed Oba Abisekan into the Council of Yewa Traditional Rulers.

Oba Olugbenle charged the newly installed monarch to resolve to bring all residents of Agbele-Asa to his side for peaceful coexistence, adding that peace and security are the soul of community development.

In his acceptance speech, HRH Oba Ajibade Abisekan (Ile Igbo I) said his ascension to the throne of his forefathers is a call to service and a pledge to usher in an era of unprecedented growth, peace, and unity for the entire Agbele-Asa Kingdom.

The traditional ruler expressed his profound gratitude to Governor Abiodun for validating the choice of the people, promising to work hand-in-hand with the state government to attract critical infrastructure, security, and economic opportunities to the border enclave.

He further charged all sons and daughters of the soil, both at home and in the diaspora, to join hands with him in building a prosperous kingdom.

The installation ceremony transformed the venue into a kaleidoscope of rich Yoruba cultural heritage, with various cultural troupes entertaining the audience at regular intervals.

The Bolojo cultural troupe, clad in matching traditional attire, thrilled the crowd with energetic steps, while local hunters fired ceremonial gunshots into the air to signify the official arrival and presence of the king.

Earlier, the legendary Gbedu drums resonated with a scintillating tone, providing a powerful rhythmic backdrop as royal bards chanted ancestral praises to formally invite the new monarch to receive his Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment.

The colorful event attracted a galaxy of dignitaries, including religious leaders, the Council of Chiefs, representatives of the Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation (OLAKHURF), market men and women, as well as various socio-cultural associations who danced late into the night.