Ekiti community gets new traditional ruler after 25 years

After a 25-year gap, Ekiti State in Nigeria has appointed Prince Bamidele Oni as the new Owa of Oke-Ako Ekiti, located in Ikole Local Government Area. The decision was made by the Ekiti State Executive Council during its meeting on August 18, 2026. The vacancy arose from a prolonged dispute over succession to the traditional stool, which began in 2000 following the passing of the previous monarch, Oba Jackson Omotayo Ogunbiyi.

The new Owa will rotate the stool with the Odo-Aofin Ruling House, with the three stocks involved in the dispute participating in the selection process, which included an Ifa divination exercise and adherence to the Registered Chieftaincy Declaration and Chiefs Law (2012) of Ekiti State.