The ancient town of Iyere in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State was a hub of royalty, culture and governance on Saturday as His Royal Majesty, Oba Omotunde Alaba Adako, Iresin II, the Oliyere of Iyere Kingdom, marked his 15th Coronation Anniversary with the launch of a ₦500 million ultra-modern palace project.
The colourful ceremony attracted traditional rulers, councils of chiefs, government officials, religious leaders and distinguished personalities from across Ondo State and beyond, reaffirming the monarch’s enduring influence and the unity of the Iyere Kingdom.
Speaking at the event, Oba Adako expressed deep gratitude to God for sustaining him on the throne.
“Fifteen years on the throne, it has been God. God has been awesome to me, my family and the entire kingdom. I return all glory to God Almighty,” the monarch said.
The Oliyere, visibly elated, added:
“I am happy and excited that God has kept me on the throne for fifteen years. By His grace, in another fifteen years, you will still be here to celebrate me.”
Announcing the palace project, the monarch assured donors and well-wishers of transparency and accountability.
“Today, we are launching a ₦500 million ultra-modern palace. I assure you that the money raised will be judiciously used. By this time next year, by the grace of God, you will be welcomed into a new and bigger palace,” he said.
Speaking on the role of traditional institutions in nation-building, Oba Adako emphasized grassroots engagement as the key to tackling insecurity.
“If you want to address insecurity in Nigeria, you must narrow it down to the grassroots. Traditional rulers know their communities very well. Without support and security votes, how do you expect them to secure their towns and villages?” he asked.
He further noted: “We know our communities, our farms and our forests. If government empowers traditional rulers, insecurity can be drastically reduced.”
The monarch however commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to exercise patience.
“He is a good man. What he is doing is good in my eyes. He is reforming the economy. Gradually, we are conquering insecurity, roads are being constructed and civil servants’ salaries are improving. We will give the government time. By the end of the tenure, Nigeria will be like London,” he said.
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Bola Ademuwagun, reiterated the administration’s commitment to non-interference in chieftaincy matters.
“We will not intervene in the selection or installation of any king in Ondo State. Communities are free to choose their monarchs, while the Executive Council only confirms such choices. That is why recent installations have been free of court cases,” the governor stated.
According to him, the policy has restored peace and sanity to traditional institutions across the state.
The governor also highlighted key development strides, including renewed approval for the Ondo Seaport project, fresh investments, and commitments from the petroleum sector.
“The seaport project we once lost has been revived. By next year, Mr. President and the Governor will be here to launch it. The petroleum industry is also set to supply 60,000 barrels per day, transforming Ondo State into an industrial hub,” the governor said.
In his goodwill message, Oba Adegbite Adedoyin Adeleke, the Owa Ale of Ikare Akoko, described the celebrant as:
“A complete gentleman, a good man, and a handsome king loved by his people — a monarch who truly loves God.”
He prayed for a long and prosperous reign for the Oliyere.
Also speaking, Chief Gbenga Ale, former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, praised the monarch’s leadership style.
“Kabiyesi is an Oba who believes in peace, cooperation and development. For fifteen years, he has brought stability and progress to Iyere Kingdom. We thank God for his life and reign,” he said.
Dignitaries in attendance at the event included: Olumoru of Imoru, Oba Rotimi Obamuwagun, Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Oladimeji Odidiomo,
Oba Samuel Adesoye, the Malokun of Atijere, Chief Gbenga Ale, former Chief of Staff, the Acting Chairman of Owo Local Government, Bishop Stephen Fagbemi, Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Owo, Several councils of chiefs as well as community leaders.
The celebration climaxed with prayers, cultural displays and renewed commitments toward the development of Iyere Kingdom.
