The ancient town of Eruwa on Thursday witnessed a grand display of Yoruba traditional culture and royal pageantry as His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, the Eleruwa of Eruwaland, conferred distinguished chieftaincy titles on two eminent sons of Ibarapa Land and their spouses.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwaland, brought together traditional rulers, senior government officials, political leaders, community leaders, academics, professionals, family members and other distinguished guests from across Ibarapa Land, Oyo State and beyond.
The event also marked the commencement of activities leading to the First Coronation Anniversary of the Eleruwa, scheduled to run from September 2 to 6, 2026.
Among those honoured at the ceremony were Dr. Olusola Ayandele, popularly known as Eruobodo, and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufolayimika Ayandele, who were formally installed as Bobagunwa of Eruwaland and Yeye Bobagunwa of Eruwaland respectively.
Also honoured were Chief Adewale Atanda, popularly known as Alase, and his wife, Erelu Abimbola Atanda. Chief Adewale Atanda was honoured as Otunba of Ibarapa Land, while his wife received the title of Yeye Otunba of Ibarapa Land.
The conferment of the Otunba of Ibarapa Land title was endorsed by the Council of Ibarapa Traditional Rulers in recognition of the honourees’ contributions and impact across the wider Ibarapa community.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Eleruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, said the traditional honours were bestowed in recognition of the honourees’ exemplary character, service, economic empowerment and commitment to community development.
The monarch stressed that traditional titles should not be viewed merely as symbols of prestige, but as a renewed call to responsibility and service to the people.
He noted that the recognition of individuals who have distinguished themselves through service was consistent with the responsibility of the traditional institution to celebrate excellence and encourage continued contributions to the development of society.
Responding on behalf of the newly installed title holders, the Bobagunwa of Eruwaland, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, expressed appreciation to the Eleruwa and the traditional institutions for the honour.
He pledged that the recognition would further strengthen their resolve to contribute to socio-economic development, youth empowerment and other initiatives capable of improving the wellbeing of communities across Ibarapa Land.
The ceremony featured traditional musical performances, royal praise poetry, cultural displays and other elements of Yoruba heritage, creating an atmosphere that reflected the richness and enduring relevance of the region’s traditional institutions.
The occasion was also graced by prominent public officials, including Moses Alake Adeyemo, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State; Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Ayobami Fasina, Head of Service, Oyo State; Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election; Hon. Saminu Rilwan Gbadamosi (Wale Canada), member representing Saki East/Atisbo State Constituency; and Hon. Wasilat Adegoke Adefemi, Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Others included Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; Prof. Lanre Olaniyan, Vice-Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Prof. Jonathan Adedokun, Rector, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; Hon. Seun Fakorede, Executive Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Youth and Sports; and Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, Chairman, Ibarapa East Local Government Area.
The ceremony equally attracted an impressive gathering of royal fathers and traditional leaders from across Ibarapa Land.
Among the monarchs in attendance were His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye Asoroolu V, the Olu of Igbo-Ora; His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi Ariwoola, Aako II, the Asigangan of Igangan Land; His Royal Majesty, Oba Emmanuel Ewuola Okeniyi, the Asawo of Ayete; His Royal Majesty, Oba Kingsley Aderoju Onikola Olufiji II, the Onidere of Idere; and His Royal Majesty, Oba Sunday Bolawaye Oladejo Oguntayi II, the Onilala of Lanlate.
Also present were His Royal Majesty, Oba Titiloye Sunday Owolabi, the Elempe of Tapa; His Royal Majesty, Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmus, Ayeleso III, the Oluaso of Iberekodo; His Royal Majesty, Oba Zaccheaus Olatunji Oyeleke Gbadewole I, the Olu-Igbo of Igbojaye Land; and His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Bayonle Oyedokun Kehinde, Ibitoye Oyekanmi II, the Onitabo of Itabo, Lanlate.
Other traditional and community leaders at the occasion included Chief Ibiyosi Ogundiran, Iyalode of Itabo Land, and Chief James Olugbela Adeleke, Baale of Igbodudu and Alasa.
The presence of the traditional rulers and dignitaries underscored the importance of the occasion and the growing collaboration among traditional institutions, government, community leaders and stakeholders in advancing the interests of Ibarapa Land.
For the Eleruwa Palace, the conferment represents more than the celebration of individual achievements. It reinforces the traditional institution’s enduring role in recognising exemplary service, preserving cultural values and encouraging individuals of distinction to devote their influence and resources to the collective good.
The August 27 ceremony is the first major public event in the series of activities leading to the First Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I.
The anniversary programme will continue with other activities from September 2 to 6, 2026, culminating in a grand ceremony at the Eleruwa Palace on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The September 5 ceremony will feature the commissioning of the newly renovated and extended Eleruwa Palace by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde.
The Governor and the First Lady of Oyo State will also be honoured with traditional titles during the ceremony, with the Governor to receive the title of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapa Land, while the First Lady will be honoured as Yeye Aare Asoludero of Ibarapa Land.
The Palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwaland congratulates the newly honoured title holders and urges them to regard the honours as a renewed mandate for service, responsibility and continued commitment to the development of their people.
His Royal Majesty also expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, government officials, dignitaries, community leaders, families, guests and members of the media who honoured the invitation and contributed to the success of the ceremony.
The Palace further reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the heritage and dignity of Eruwaland while using the traditional institution as a platform for promoting unity, peace, responsible leadership and sustainable development.
Signed:
Sunday A. Adedokun
Director of Media and Public Communications
to His Royal Majesty,
Alaiyeluwa Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I
The Eleruwa of Eruwaland
Directorate of Media and Public Communications
to the Eleruwa of Eruwa
