The agrarian border community of Agbele-Asa in Yewa North LGA, Ogun State, exploded into a frenzy of celebration on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as the state government officially presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to its first monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba Rahmon Ajibade Abisekan, the Alagbele of Agbele-Asa Kingdom (Ile Igbo I). The historic event, which took place at the Local Government Primary School field in Asa, brought a joyful conclusion to a decades-long quest for traditional and administrative recognition aimed at attracting rapid infrastructure and socio-economic development to the frontier community.
The presentation ceremony was performed on behalf of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimi-Olu Akinlesi. According to a 97-year-old community pillar, Otunba Ephraim Lana Akintan, the day marked the ultimate fulfillment of a lifelong pursuit - an emotional Otunba Akintan heaped praises on Governor Abiodun for assenting his signature to the long-awaited traditional stool: "That Governor Abiodun successfully installed Oba Abisekan as the Alagbele of Agbele-Asa makes me feel accomplished in life."
Corroborating the nonagenarian's sentiment, a prominent community leader and Chairman of IBD IMPEX QUARRY LTD, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun, expressed deep appreciation: "Today marks a milestone in the history of Yewaland, Ketuland, and Ogun State in general - I am sure that going forward, Oba Abisekan will leverage his kingship to prioritize the development of Agbele-Asa and its esteemed population."
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Gbadewole, represented by the Olu of Imasai, HRM Oba (Dr) Lukmon Olalekan Kuoye, warmly welcomed Oba Abisekan into the Council of Yewa Traditional Rulers, charging him to bring all residents of Agbele-Asa to his side for peaceful coexistence. In his acceptance speech, HRH Oba Ajibade Abisekan (Ile Igbo I) described his ascension to the throne of his forefathers as a call to service and a pledge to usher in an era of unprecedented growth, peace, and unity for the entire Agbele-Asa Kingdom, charging all sons and daughters of the soil, at home and in the diaspora, to join hands with him in building a prosperous kingdom.
The installation ceremony transformed the venue into a kaleidoscope of rich Yoruba cultural heritage - the Bolojo cultural troupe thrilled the crowd in matching traditional attire, local hunters fired ceremonial gunshots into the air to signify the official arrival of the king, and the legendary Gbedu drums provided a powerful rhythmic backdrop as royal bards chanted ancestral praises to formally invite the new monarch to receive his Staff of Office.
The colorful event attracted a galaxy of dignitaries, including religious leaders, the Council of Chiefs, representatives of the Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation (OLAKHURF), market men and women, and various socio-cultural associations who danced late into the night. [Photo attached]
