OLOBA-ELECT OF OBA-ILE, PRINCE GBADEBO ALADETOYE PROGRESSES WITH TRADITIONAL RITES
…As ancient town prepares for installation of 54th Monarch
In Obaile, a community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, the journey to the emergence of a new monarch is unfolding through a succession of traditional rites that reflect the community’s heritage, customs and understanding of kingship.
For Prince Gbadebo Stephen Adeusi Aladetoye, the Oloba-elect and 54th occupant of the Obaile throne, the journey is not simply about receiving a crown.
It is a process of initiation, cultural obligations and preparation for the responsibilities that come with occupying the traditional stool.
The process has entered another significant stage following the completion of the seven-day Emuba rites and the performance of Ajo Elegbe, bringing the Oloba-elect closer to his eventual coronation.
The traditional proceedings began with members of the Elegbe chieftaincy group beating the incoming monarch with canes while chanting “Ole”, a customary practice associated with the installation process.
From a farm at Okeligun, the Oloba-elect was brought to the residence of High Chief Olusola Olugbogi, the Agbaakin of Obaile, by the Elemo of Obaile, High Chief Gbemisayo Oluwatimilehin, accompanied by members of his immediate family.
At the Agbaakin’s residence, the Elemo formally handed him over to members of the Elegbe group for the next stage of the traditional process.
One of the notable moments was the Oloba-elect serving palm wine to members of the group, as required by the custom. Membership of the Elegbe chieftaincy group is a traditional prerequisite for anyone aspiring to ascend the Oloba throne.
The rites are designed to prepare the incoming monarch for the responsibilities and cultural expectations of the office, while reinforcing the traditional institutions that play a role in the kingdom’s affairs.
Having completed the Emuba rites and performed Ajo Elegbe, Prince Adeusi Aladerotohun is expected to proceed to Arapon, another important stage of the traditional process.
The Arapon rite will last seven days and will be marked by feasting and merrymaking, with roasted yams served as part of the observance.
But beyond the feasting, the period carries a significant traditional restriction. The Oloba-elect and the Elemo are not permitted to see each other during the rite. To observe this custom, the Elemo will have to relocate from the community for the duration of the seven-day period.
At the conclusion of Arapon, the Oloba-elect will return from Igbo Oye to the palace for his coronation.
The transition will also involve the Regent leaving the palace through a traditional route known as Ona Obinrin. This arrangement is rooted in the custom that the Regent and the incoming monarch must not meet at the palace on the day of the coronation.
Even after the coronation, the traditional process will not immediately come to an end. The new Oba is expected to reside at the palace of the Elemo for further rites and to learn the rudiments of the throne.
These stages underline the depth of the traditional process through which Obaile prepares its monarch, with each rite marking a step towards the assumption of royal responsibilities.
While the community observes the traditional process, the Elemo has also used the occasion to make an appeal that goes beyond the ceremonies: the need for unity among the people of Obaile.
High Chief Gbemisayo Oluwatimilehin has urged residents to support the installation of the new monarch and put the interest of the community above personal differences.
His appeal was particularly directed at those who contested the throne with Prince Adeusi Aladerotohun. He urged them to set aside their differences and join hands with the incoming monarch to move Obaile forward.
The Elemo also challenged the Oloba-elect to extend a hand of fellowship to those who contested against him, emphasising that the emergence of a new monarch should provide an opportunity for reconciliation rather than deepen divisions.
The message reflects a broader expectation within the community that the new reign should bring people together and create an atmosphere in which all sections of Obaile can contribute to its progress.
In an interview, the Oloba-elect expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government, the kingmakers and residents of Obaile for their roles and support in the process leading to his emergence.
He also appealed to those who contested the throne with him to join hands with him, saying their collective efforts would be important to the overall development of the community.
Prince Adeusi Aladerotohun said he intended to use his contacts and networks both within Nigeria and abroad to attract opportunities and influence development initiatives for Obaile.
His promise points to an ambition to connect the community’s traditional heritage with opportunities for modern development, drawing on his professional experience and international exposure.
A new chapter after a period of transition
The succession process followed the death of the former Oloba, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade, also known as Otutubiotun I, who passed away on May 9, 2025.
After the succession process, Prince Adeusi Aladerotohun was selected by the kingmakers on September 19, 2026, while the Ondo State Government approved his appointment on October 24, 2026.
Born on January 6, 1965, the Oloba-elect belongs to the Elegbeje-Ogboo Ruling House of the Orioge Dynasty Royal Family of Obaile and is a descendant of the royal lineage of HRH Aladetoye Orioge I.
He attended St. John’s Primary School and Ejtoba High School, both in Obaile, before proceeding to the United Kingdom for further education.
His qualifications include a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care from Holistic Training Centre, London; an HND in Health and Social Care Management from St. Patrick’s College, Tower Hill, London; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Social Care from the University of Sunderland.
His professional career has covered security services, facilities management, care coordination and community engagement. He has worked with organisations including Goldman Sachs International, Bank of Tokyo, Modern Depot/London Underground, Global House Facilities Management and Enigma Group. He has also been involved in community leadership and engagement through St. Faith Church of England.
For Obaile, the ongoing rites represent more than the preparation of an individual for a royal title. They mark the continuation of a traditional institution and the community’s passage from a period of transition towards a new reign.
As the Oloba-elect moves through the remaining ceremonies, the expectations are becoming clearer: the preservation of the community’s customs, the reconciliation of those divided by the contest for the throne, and the use of leadership to advance Obaile’s development.
The challenge before the incoming monarch will be to bring these expectations together, ensuring that the throne remains a symbol of the community’s identity while serving as a rallying point for peace, unity and progress.
