Oba Adekolajo Aladeseyi, Okilorigbokun II, who was recently installed as the Olujare of Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been arrested by police on the orders of the state government for allegedly assuming the throne without proper authorisation.
The controversial installation took place on April 17, 2025, with the monarch set to begin a 30-day traditional rite before his arrest on Wednesday evening alongside four chiefs.
The development comes amid a longstanding leadership vacuum in Ijare, which has been without a traditional ruler since the death of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun in 2011. Efforts to appoint a new monarch have repeatedly stalled due to internal disputes among ruling houses and ongoing court cases.
Chief Oluwole Oni, the Aarinmo of Ijare and head of the Sejeokun Ruling House, petitioned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alleging that kingmakers and chiefs were coerced at gunpoint around 2:30 a.m. to conduct the installation ceremony. He warned that the act could plunge the community into crisis if not addressed.
Confirming the arrest, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, described the installation as illegal and warned that such actions could lead to communal unrest.
“There was impending crisis in the community. Some kingmakers were compelled to go to the installation. Such a thing should not be allowed,” he said. “This should serve as a warning to others who may take laws into their hands. We will ensure the laws are upheld.”
The detained monarch is expected to be arraigned in court today (Thursday).
