Ijesa North Traditional Council Changes Leadership as Oba Awogboro Takes Over (PHOTOS)

History was made on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as the Ijesa North Traditional Council changed its leadership, with His Royal Majesty, Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro, Osegbelujusanna Ose IV, the Alademure and Ogboni of Ibokun-Ijesa, taking over as the new President of the council.

The leadership change took place during the council’s general meeting held at the palace hall of His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, Ajagbusi Ekun II, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa.

The outgoing President of the council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Moses Olufemi Agunsoye, Abikehin Ekun, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, presided over the meeting before formally handing over the leadership to the Ogboni of Ibokun.

The meeting began with an opening prayer, after which the traditional rulers discussed a number of issues affecting their communities and Ijesaland.

Traditional Rulers Raise Security Concerns

During discussions on matters arising, the royal fathers expressed concern over security challenges and other developments in their various communities.

Issues discussed included security within their respective territories, political tension across Ijesaland and the need to sensitise residents ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

The traditional rulers expressed concern over the rising political tension and reported killings linked to political activities, warning that the situation could have serious consequences for the people, especially the youths.

They particularly appealed to young people across Ijesaland not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.

The royal fathers urged youths and other voters to approach polling units peacefully and maintain order before, during and after the election.

They stressed that violence, destruction of property and killings cannot determine the true value of an election, noting that only the living can preserve and tell the history of what happened.

Oba Awogboro Takes Over

The highlight of the meeting was the formal transfer of the leadership baton of the Ijesa North Traditional Council to Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro.

The leadership, which carries the responsibility of coordinating the affairs of the traditional institution in Ijesa North, was transferred to the Ogboni of Ibokun for the next one-year tenure.

The ceremony was met with applause, jubilation, congratulatory handshakes and goodwill messages from the royal fathers present.

An instrument of office, alongside other relevant documents, was formally handed over to Oba Awogboro, marking the beginning of his tenure as President of the Ijesa North Traditional Council.

Oba Awogboro Promises Unity and Cooperation

In his acceptance speech, the new President focused on peace, unity, cooperation and mutual respect among the traditional rulers.

Oba Awogboro called for stronger cooperation among the royal fathers and urged them to support one another in promoting the growth and development of their respective towns.

He also emphasised the need for greater respect for the traditional institution, saying the royal fathers must work together to restore the respect and influence of the traditional institution within Ijesaland, Osun State and Nigeria.

The new president expressed his readiness to work with the royal fathers to strengthen the council and ensure that it plays a greater role in the development and peace of Ijesaland.

Appreciation

Oba Awogboro expressed appreciation to God Almighty and thanked the outgoing President, Oba Moses Olufemi Agunsoye, for his leadership of the council.

He also appreciated his host, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, as well as Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, and other traditional rulers who attended the occasion.

He also acknowledged Oba Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa, who was absent from the meeting, and other royal fathers for their support.

The meeting was attended by traditional rulers from the Oriade and Obokun areas of Ijesaland, who make up the Ijesa North Traditional Council.

The new leadership is expected to focus on strengthening unity among the traditional rulers, promoting peace and security, and supporting the development of communities across Ijesa North.

Reporting:
Press Secretary to the Office of HRM Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro, Osegbelujusanna Ose IV, the Alademure and Ogboni of Ibokun-Ijesa, and President, Ijesa North Traditional Council.

More Photos (📸 Arewa Smiley)