The Ekiti State Government has officially approved the appointment of Prince Olarewaju Bamidele Oni as the Owá of Òkè-Àkò Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The approval was granted at the meeting of the Ekiti State Executive Council, presided over by the Governor, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The approval followed the consideration of memoranda detailing the selection process and confirming compliance with the relevant chieftaincy laws, regulations and traditional practices governing the Owá stool.
The stool became vacant following the passing of the late monarch, Oba Jackson Omotayo Ogunbiyi, on December 10, 2000. Since then, the people of Òkè-Àkò have endured more than two and a half decades without a substantive traditional ruler, a period characterised by legal disputes and a prolonged succession process that eventually travelled through the courts up to the Supreme Court.
According to the State Government, the selection process complied with all prescribed procedures and was conducted in accordance with the Registered Chieftaincy Declaration and the Chiefs Law (2012) of Ekiti State.
Prince Olarewaju Bamidele Oni was born on March 2, 1974, into the Àòfin Royal Family of Òkè-Àkò Ekiti. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration from the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and an Ordinary National Diploma in Business Administration from Ondo State Polytechnic, now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State. He also attended Community High School, Òkè-Àkò Ekiti, where he obtained his West African School Certificate.
The official approval of Prince Olarewaju Bamidele Oni marks the conclusion of a long journey for the people of Òkè-Àkò Ekiti. For over 25 years, the community has waited patiently for the emergence of a substantive monarch following years of litigation and uncertainty over the traditional stool.
His emergence and official approval therefore mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Òkè-Àkò Ekiti, one that will offer unity, peace, stability and development.
Congratulations to the people of Òkè-Àkò Ekiti. Congratulations to the Àòfin Royal Family. Congratulations to the new Owá of Òkè-Àkò Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Prince Olarewaju Bamidele Oni.
Hon. Muyiwa Josiah Olukosi,
National PRO, Òkè-Àkò Progressive Union (OPU)
19/8/2026.
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