By Israel Bolaji
Esun-Ekiti town in Ekiti State erupted in celebration as Oba Olasehinde Bankole Adesesan (O.B.A) Ilugbusi was officially crowned the 13th Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, the Arohunmokinise II, on 2 August 2025.
The coronation ended more than 200 years of agitation over kingship rotation, a dispute that had divided the ancient town for generations.
The historic ceremony, attended by Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye and many royal fathers from Ekiti State, marked the community’s embrace of unity, balance, and restored cultural legacy.
Breaking a Cycle of Agitation
For centuries, the Iloda royal family had held dominance over the throne, sidelining the Atiba and Ijisun families. Historical accounts show that while the first two Elesuns came from the Ijisun family and the third from Atiba, subsequent rulers were exclusively from Iloda.
This imbalance was compounded by the wrongful documentation of the town’s chieftaincy tradition during the reign of Oba John Osanyingbemi in 1959, sparking decades of protests, litigations, and failed reconciliations.
However, under the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), efforts were made to resolve the stalemate. The government reaffirmed the Esun Chieftaincy Declarations, which recognise Atiba, Iloda, and Ijisun as legitimate ruling houses.
On 14 April 2025, the Court of Appeal also upheld this recognition, supporting the inclusion of all three royal families.
Government Endorsement
Speaking at the coronation, Deputy Governor Afuye stressed that Oba Ilugbusi’s selection followed due legal process.
“The appointment of Prince Bankole Olasehinde Ilugbusi as Elesun of Esun-Ekiti was carried out in strict compliance with the Ekiti State Chiefs Law of 2012. The government duly approved the process and published the official declaration in the State Gazette,” Afuye said.
The decision was further strengthened by the consent of the last two monarchs, Oba Samuel Omojola and Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, who had endorsed the inclusion of the sidelined royal houses.
Oba Ilugbusi’s Vision
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ilugbusi declared: “My ascension is a new chapter and a vibrant new dawn for beloved Esun-Ekiti. It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
He pledged to prioritise the welfare of residents, promote unity across all lineages, and advance sustainable development in the town.
The youthful monarch joined the ranks of other Yoruba monarchs like the current Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi who ascended their thrones in their 40s.
Oba O.B.A Ilugbusi holds a degree in Business Administration from Ekiti State University and was preparing for postgraduate studies at Wayne State University, Michigan, USA, before his selection.
With a background in business, agriculture, and construction, he brings a modern perspective to traditional leadership.
Celebration of Culture
The coronation capped a week of colourful festivities that began with the official installation on 25 July 2025.
Cultural displays, traditional drumming, and vibrant dance performances lit up the town square as dignitaries, family members, and well-wishers from across Nigeria gathered.
For many, the moment symbolised the restoration of the legacy of Oba Arohunmokinise I, the town’s third monarch, whose principles of order, friendship, and peace are now being rekindled by his descendant, Arohunmokinise II.
Unity and Hope
Community leaders, cultural custodians, and residents say the new monarch’s reign signals a chance to heal old wounds and unite indigenes at home and abroad.
The coronation, they believe, represents not just the end of a kingship tussle but also the dawn of renewed hope, peace, and development for Esun-Ekiti.
