Drama in Ondo: Self-Proclaimed Monarch, Four Chiefs Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Installation

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Drama in Ondo: Self-Proclaimed Monarch, Four Chiefs Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Installation

Tension has gripped the Ijare community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State following the arrest of Oba Adekolajo Aladeseyi, who allegedly installed himself as the Olujare of Ijare without government approval.

Oba Aladeseyi, who took the title Okilorigbokun II, was arrested alongside four chiefs on Wednesday evening on the orders of the Ondo State Government. The arrest came just weeks after his controversial installation on April 17, 2025.

According to reports, the newly-installed monarch was preparing to begin the traditional 30-day rites when the arrest occurred.

Ijare has been without a traditional ruler since 2011 following the death of the former king, Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun. Efforts to appoint a new monarch have repeatedly failed due to ongoing disputes between ruling houses and unresolved court cases.

The legitimacy of Aladeseyi’s installation was challenged in a petition sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by Chief Oluwole Oni, the Aarinmo of Ijare and head of the Sejeokun Ruling House. He claimed that kingmakers and chiefs were coerced at gunpoint around 2:30 a.m. to perform the installation rites.

“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,” said Ondo Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, while confirming the arrest.

He also revealed that the embattled monarch would be arraigned today (Thursday).

The incident has raised fears of potential unrest in the community, as stakeholders await the government’s next move on the disputed kingship.