After years of disputes and legal battles, Bolorunduro community in Ondo East Local Government Area has finally installed its first monarch, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa presenting the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Prof. Thompson Akinnifesi as the pioneer Ekigbade of the town.

The ceremony marked a new chapter for the community, whose traditional stool was recently recognised under Part One of the Chiefs Law of Ondo State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new monarch to use his position to promote peace, unity and development, warning that the staff of office should not be deployed against perceived opponents.

“With the formal presentation of the instrument of appointment and staff of office, the instrument should be employed to strengthen the peace and cohesion of your domain and not to be used to victimise perceived opponents or adversaries,” the governor said.

He also appealed to members of the five founding ruling houses to set aside the rivalry that characterised the selection process and support the new traditional ruler.

The Ekigbade stool became vacant following the death of the immediate past Oloja of Bolorunduro, Chief Johnson Eniola Akinlosotu, in September 2021. Efforts to fill the position were delayed by disagreements and litigation.

A stakeholders’ meeting, convened by the Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Joshua Ogunduyilemi, later resolved that the community should have five ruling houses drawn from its founding families, with input from the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom.

Following the required procedures, representatives of the town’s 10 quarters, serving as kingmakers, unanimously selected Prof. Akinnifesi from the Akinyefesi family as the Ekigbade-elect on April 17, 2026.

The Ondo State Executive Council approved the selection on September 7, 2026, after confirming that the process complied with due process and the state’s Chiefs Law.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo Jilo III, and the local government chairman for their contributions to the peaceful emergence of the new monarch.
He also called on traditional rulers and residents to support government efforts to tackle insecurity by reporting suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, dismissed suggestions that the governor influenced the selection process, insisting that the people of Bolorunduro chose their monarch without government interference.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Akinnifesi thanked the governor, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, his family and the five founding houses for the honour.

He pledged to provide peaceful and inclusive leadership, while appealing for electricity and potable water after decades of deprivation.

The new monarch also invited investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, real estate, tourism and industry, urging indigenes at home and abroad to unite for the development of Bolorunduro.