..a Monarch rooted in Wisdom—Aiyedatiwa

Humble, wise, generous, caring, principled, loving, confident, and a peacebuilder—these were just a few of the many encomiums showered on His Imperial Majesty, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, Oba Dr. Adebori Adeleye, OON, as he celebrated his ascension to the Council of Elders, traditionally known as Igoke Agba or Ihare, in the community.

The colourful ceremony, during which members of his age group, the Egbe Mabolaje, were also elevated to Ihare status, was held at the Olubaka’s Palace arcade ground on Saturday, 29th November 2025. Dignitaries, families, and associates extolled the monarch’s exemplary qualities, leadership style, and fatherly disposition.

Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, described the Olubaka as a blessing to Oka-Akoko, noting that his “life and leadership style is rooted in wisdom, guided by humility and strengthened by deep commitment to his people.”
He congratulated the royal father for attaining the Elders Council status and lauded his exceptional character, saying his reign has continued to inspire peace and harmony across the community.

To his Queen, Olori Adejumoke Adeleye, the Olubaka is a peaceful personality and “an embodiment of humility and generosity” to both his family and the community. She emphasised that he is a man of integrity who has never soiled his hands with corruption, particularly in matters relating to land grabbing, and prayed for good health and strength for him to continue leading Oka-Akoko to greater heights.

Some of his children who were on ground to celebrate him, including Princess Adebola Ighodaro, Prince Adeleke Adeleye, Prince Adefemi Adeleye, Princess Adelola Adeleye, and Prince Adedeji Adeleye, praised his kindheartedness and wisdom, describing him as their confidant, best friend, and “one in a million father” who prioritises their welfare, remains down-to-earth, accommodating, and never looks down on anyone.

They called him the kind of father anyone would pray for and wished him long reign in good health.

Clad in regal attire and radiating joy and gratitude, the Olubaka thanked God for the grace to witness the significant ceremony. He said it was a moment he had long desired—“even above my 80th birthday”—because the Igoke Agba reflects the culture and traditions of the community, carried out every five years.

He explained:

> “As from today, we no longer bear Egbe Mabolaje again because we don’t have any other age group than Ihare. And the one significant thing about Ihare is that it is the only thing you can see your children celebrate you while you are alive. Whatever they cook today, we will eat it. But if after one’s demise they started killing ten cows, we don’t know what is happening again.

“You can see majority of the houses are giving face-lift all over the town and some build new houses for their aged parents to have a comfortable living until their demise. So it is very significant and it is a grace for us. We know how many of us started, so we thank God for his mercy.”

The Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, also congratulated the Olubaka, noting that the Ihare ceremony, equivalent to the Ero festival in Owo, is an avenue to celebrate elders in Yorubaland. He prayed for longevity for the celebrant and described him as friendly and supportive, praising the community for being blessed with such a wonderful king.

A prominent son of the soil and Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency, Mr. Felix Ale, described the moment as a rare privilege, saying the Olubaka represents a source of pride to Oka-Akoko. He noted that the award bestowed on Oba Adeleye by the Okarufe Leadership Council reflected what he means to the people, adding that they would continue to celebrate him.

The ceremony also featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles on two prominent Nigerians: Chief & Senator Jackson Bent as Aare and Yeye Arimuyangan of Okaland, and Chief & Erelu Benjamin Ibidapo Bassey as Aare and Yeye Aare Kajewolu of Oka land.

The Olubaka clarified that the honours were not influenced by money or persuasion but were in recognition of their significant contributions and investments in Ondo State. He offered them royal blessings to continue contributing to societal development.
The newly installed Chiefs expressed gratitude for the honour and pledged to support more developmental initiatives in the community.

Guests were later entertained by renowned Nigerian fuji maestro, Adewale Ayuba, as well-wishers danced, dined, and celebrated with the Olubaka.
In all, about 60 individuals were elevated to the revered Elders Council.