By Ayodele Popoola
The town of Ijigba in Akure South Local Government area of Ondo State was agog on Wednesday, as Oba Omotayo Ajisegiri, Sarebi I, was officially installed and presented with the staff of office as the second Olujigba of Ijigba Kingdom.
The landmark ceremony attracted prominent traditional rulers, led by the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Land, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, as well as top government functionaries, political leaders, religious dignitaries and members of the Ijigba community.
Presenting the instrument of appointment and staff of office, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended the new monarch and the people of Ijigba for the peaceful conclusion of the selection process.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the Olujigba stool became vacant following the death of its pioneer occupant, the late Oba Luyi Rotimi, after which the state government authorised the commencement of the selection process on February 23, 2026.
He explained that Prince Omotayo Ajisegiri, from the Sarebi ruling family, emerged as the Olujigba-elect at the end of the process.
The appointment was subsequently approved by the Ondo State Executive Council on July 28, 2026, following confirmation that the selection process complied with the relevant provisions of the state’s Chieftaincy Law.
The governor urged the new monarch to regard his appointment as a divine call to service and use his traditional authority to consolidate peace and unity in Ijigba.
“Your appointment should be seen as a divine call to serve. You must exercise restraint in the use of traditional authority. The staff of office should strengthen peace and cohesion and not be used to settle personal scores,” the governor said.
He also appealed to all the contestants in the selection process, as well as other members of the community, to put past rivalries behind them and rally around the new monarch.
The governor further warned traditional rulers against what he described as expansionist tendencies, directing them not to appoint or install minor chiefs outside their recognised jurisdictions, particularly in disputed areas.
The state government also used the occasion to highlight its efforts to strengthen security and accelerate economic development across Ondo State.
It said the Amotekun Corps was being strengthened through improved equipment and manpower, while other security agencies were receiving logistics support to combat kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
The government urged traditional rulers and residents to remain vigilant and assist security agencies with useful intelligence, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.
On economic development, he said the administration highlighted its plan to transform Ondo State from a predominantly agrarian and civil service economy into an industrial hub.
Among the projects cited were the Memorandum of Understanding for a 500,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery at the Sunshine Industrial Park in the Ilaje Local Government area, as well as proposed port, petrochemical and fertiliser projects in the Ilaje axis.
Earlier, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Dr Gbenga Fasua, congratulated Oba Ajisegiri on his installation, describing the occasion as a significant celebration of cultural heritage, tradition and unity.
Fasua commended the Ondo State Government for supporting the process and paid homage to the Deji of Akure and other traditional rulers present at the ceremony.
He described the coronation as more than a traditional rite, saying it marked the formal confirmation of Oba Ajisegiri as a father, unifier and custodian of the culture and values of Ijigba.
The council chairman urged the new monarch to use his position to promote peace, unity and development in the kingdom, assuring him of the continued support of Akure South Local Government.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ajisegiri paid tribute to the late pioneer Olujigba, Oba Luyi Rotimi, acknowledging his visionary leadership, sacrifices and lasting legacy in the development of Ijigba Kingdom.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Deji, the kingmakers, the people of Ijigba and all those who supported his emergence.
The new monarch pledged to govern with wisdom, justice, fairness and compassion while protecting the traditions of the kingdom and promoting peace, unity and development.