Excitement in Akure as New Deji Ascends Throne

The new Deji of Akure, Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, on Wednesday formally ascended the throne and was crowned as 48th monarch of the ancient city.

The traditional ruler had earlier been presented with his staff of office by the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, before he commenced the traditional rites which lasted for four weeks.

The coronation ceremony began in the morning of Wednesday with the new Deji paying visits to the homes of prominent chiefs in Akure to announce his preparedness to assume duties on the throne of his ancestors.

Dressed in full traditional regalia, with a horsetail with which he responded to greetings from the cheering crowd, the new Deji arrived at about 3.20pm and mounted the sacred Omolore mud located in front of the old palace with his first daughter.

The act, which received thunderous cheers from well wishers and dignitaries, is the last rite before the monarch could officially enter into his palace.

In his speech, Aladetoyinbo expressed gratitude to the people of the town for choosing him to be their traditional ruler and promised to facilitate the development of the city of Akure.

He solicited the support of his people in his efforts to bring to reality his vision for Akure kingdom.

He said Akure residents should expect changes in the city for the better, even as he warned against extortion of residents in his name.

Aladetoyinbo‎, who is from the Osupa ruling house in Akure, replaced Adebiyi Adesida who died in December 2013 after about three years on the throne.