The people of Idanre Kingdom in Ondo State have a new traditional ruler, following the emergence of Oba Mayowa Aroloye as the new Owa of Idanre.
Oba Mayowa Aroloye emerged after a traditional selection process that brought an end to the two-year period without a king following the death of his father, Oba Fredrick Adegunle Aroloye, Arubiefin IV, in 2024.
According to information gathered by KAKAKIOODUA Media, eight kingmakers took part in the selection process, with seven princes contesting for the throne. Oba Mayowa Aroloye won with seven votes, while one of the other contestants received a single vote. The remaining five contestants did not receive any vote.
Idanre tradition allows only sons born to a reigning king after his installation to contest for the throne. All seven contestants met this condition as sons of the late Oba Arubiefin IV, who became king in 1976 and ruled for about 48 years.
Following his emergence, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, congratulated the new Owa. He also prayed for wisdom, peace and a successful reign.
There have also been calls from people in Idanre and those living outside the kingdom for unity and peace. They have urged all sons and daughters of Idanre to support the new monarch and work together for the progress of the kingdom.
A THRONE WITH A LONG HISTORY
The Owa's throne is one of the oldest traditional stools in Yorubaland, with a history linked to Ile-Ife.
According to Idanre oral history, Olofin Aremitan, said to be a younger brother of Oduduwa, left Ile-Ife after Oduduwa's death with some followers. He was believed to have taken important royal items with him, including a brass crown known as Ade-ide, which the people of Idanre regard as Oduduwa's crown.
The people first settled around Utaja before moving to the Idanre hills. Agbogun, who succeeded Olofin, is remembered in Idanre history as the first Owa to lead the people to Oke-Idanre.
One of the famous landmarks on the hills is Ese Agbogun, a footprint linked to the traditional ruler. His son, Baganju, is also remembered as the first Owa to live in the old palace on the hills.
One popular Idanre story says the sacred royal crown is kept inside a snail shell. It is brought out during the annual traditional ceremony and is believed to grow to fit the head of the reigning Owa.
The Idanre monarchy has preserved many of its traditions through different periods, including the move from the hills to the present-day town.
In 1894, Owa Arubiefin I signed a treaty with the colonial governor, Sir Gilbert Carter. The agreement helped open the way for Western education in the kingdom. The first school was established in 1896.
The late Oba Fredrick Adegunle Aroloye, Arubiefin IV, was the 26th Owa of Idanre. He ascended the throne in 1976 and died in 2024 at the age of 102.
Today, the Idanre Hills remain an important tourist attraction because of their history, old palace, traditional sites and beautiful natural features. The hills are also on UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage status.
As Oba Mayowa Aroloye prepares to take on the responsibilities of the throne, many people will be looking forward to a reign marked by peace, unity and development.
KAKAKIOODUA ONLINE MEDIA congratulates the new Owa of Idanre and wishes him a long, peaceful and successful reign. May his reign bring greater progress in education, tourism, roads, business and opportunities for young people in Idanre Kingdom.
Note: Some details of Idanre's early royal history differ across oral accounts. The historical account above follows one widely told version.
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