Christianity hasn’t stopped me from performing traditional rites — Ondo monarch

Oba Akintoye Adeoye, the 18th Oluoke of Okeigbo Kingdom in Ondo State, discusses his journey from prince to traditional ruler. Born into the Aare Kugbaigbe Ruling House, he shares that his upbringing instilled values of humility, hard work, and aspiration. While his parents did not explicitly teach him about the community's history, his names and oríkì (Yoruba praise poetry) reflected their royal heritage.

Oba Akintoye's Christian faith and traditional responsibilities coexist harmoniously, as he learned about African Traditional Religion during his studies. He underwent traditional rites before ascending the throne and received support from his wife and children when he decided to contest for the Oluoke stool. His legal career and pastoral calling prepared him for his role as a ruler, allowing him to administer the palace with a good conscience and strong administrative capacity.