Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade-Aladetoyinbo crowned new Deji of Akure

The new Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade-Aladetoyinbo, was on Wednesday, crowned the 48th monarch of the ancient city after passing through traditional rites for almost a month.

Oba Aladetoyinbo was elected by the kingmakers and presented the staff by the state government last month following the demise of Oba Adebiyi Adesida in December 2013..

At the coronation ceremony, hundreds of indigenes of the ancient town trooped out in the early hours of Wednesday to witness the last set of traditional rites that were performed before the traditional ruler was finally crowned.

Many dignitaries from all walks of life, government functionaries, friends and associates of the new monarch accompanied the king to perform the rites before he entered the palace at about 2.50pm to ascend the throne of his forefathers.


During the traditional rites, the new Deji climbed the Omolore mud, located in front of the old palace, at about 3.20pm with his first daughter by his side, to perform the last traditional rites.

He had earlier visited the homes of prominent chiefs in the town to announce his grand entry into the palace in company with his wife, dressed in full traditional attire with a horsetail in his hand, which he used to greet and receive cheers from his subjects and visitors.

In his speech, Oba Aladetoyinbo expressed gratitude to the people of the town for finding him worthy to be their ruler, promising to facilitate the development of the ancient city.

Aladetoyinbo, a US-based industrialist, called for the support of the indigenes of the town in his bid to move Akure forward.