By BUSOLA SAMUEL
The Isinkan autonomous community, in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, has crowned its new traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Oba Barrister Olugbenga Ojo Adimula, the Arulewolasi III, as the Oralepo of Isinkan Land.
Oralepo Adimula’s crowning was coming few months after he emerged first in the selection process the Omowas of the town said was witnessed by government representation and the traditional seclusion, Ipebi, that followed.
Oba Olugbenga, son of the immediate past king of the town, is the 49th Oba of Isinkan and 38th on the Oralepo dynasty.
Activities of the event took place in Arogun’s compound for the first crowning ceremony, while the ancient Palace of Oba of Isinkan hosted the final coronation rites.
An apparently delighted indigene of Isinkan told The DEFENDER the dynamic nature of traditional rulership in Akure, where, like Owo Kingdom, Shagamu and Egba Land, there are more than one Obas with one being first class while others are lower grade Obas in the case of Akure.
“Isinkan is one of the three communities that are nearest to the seat of power of Ondo State namely; the Akure, which unarguably is the headquarters of Akure Kingdom with Deji of Akure as the most senior and Paramount Ruler, the Isolo and the Isinkan autonomous communities.
“By law, the governor of the state wields the power to determine the status of a community head or Oba in his state and so, every Oba is reportable to him. In Akure Kingdom, by tradition however, all the lower grade Obas, much as they are answerable to the government, are expected to treat their Paramount Ruler with deserved respect as customs demand.
“Today, we are for once happy that, in spite of everything, we have a new Oba and I give glory to Jesus Christ,” he said.
Other photographs from the event as follows:
Oba Olugbenga Ojo Adimula, the Oralepo of Isinkan, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State.
