Drama in Ondo as self-proclaimed monarch, 4 others arrested for alleged fake installation

The newly installed Olujare of Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Adekolajo Aladeseyi, Okilorigbokun II, has been arrested alongside four of his chiefs for allegedly installing himself as monarch without the approval of the state government.

Oba Aladeseyi, who was installed on April 17, 2025, had reportedly begun the traditional 30-day rites required of a new king before his arrest on Wednesday evening.

According to sources, the Ondo State Government ordered the arrest following concerns that the process of his installation did not comply with legal and traditional protocols.

Ijare community has been without a king since 2011 when the former king, Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun, died.

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All efforts to install a new king have failed due to feud among the ruling houses and court processes.

However, the Aarinmo of Ijare and head of Sejeokun Ruling House of Ijare, Chief Oluwole Oni, in a petition to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said Ijare kingmakers and Chiefs were forced at gunpoint at about 2:30am to perform the installation.

He said the community would be thrown into crisis if the installation were allowed to stand.

Ondo Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, who confirmed the arrest, said the installation of Aladeseyi was illegal and fraudulent.

“There was impending crisis in the community. Some kingmakers were compelled to go to the installation. Such a thing should not be allowed. Such could lead to communal clash. It can lead to total breakdown of law and order. This should serve as a warning to others who will wake up and take laws into their hands. We will make sure the extant laws are obeyed.”

He said the arrested monarch would be arraigned today (Thursday).

(Nation)