The Deji and paramount ruler of Akureland, in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has installed the executive director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and former Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Hon. Abegunde Ifedayo, as the Asiwaju of Akure Kingdom.
At the event held in Ojukoto at the palace of the Deji, Oba Aladelusi disclosed that the kingdom conferred the title on Abegunde because of their contributions to the development of the town and the state when he served as a member of the House of Representatives and Secretary to the State Government.
The first-class monarch who also conferred the title of Yeye Asiwaju to Abegunde’s wife, Abegunde had been performing the role of a leader.
According to the monarch, the previous leaders (Asiwaju) of the town which include Late Wumi Adegbonmire and Prof Olu Agbi have served as SSG in the state.
Oba Aladetoyinbo advised the new leader to use his position to bring development to the city and unite all the Indigenes irrespective of social status and political affiliations.
In his response, Abegunde who thanked the monarch for conferring on him the chieftaincy title, promised to bring development to the town and help the monarch unite the people.
The former lawmaker said he would continue to do good for the people of Akure, the state capital, and for the Akure-speaking people, irrespective of social status and affiliations.
He said he had become the father to all in the kingdom based on his new chieftaincy title.
“Regarding the issue of Akureland, we do not play politics. As the Asiwaju, I will support the Kabiyesi and people of Akure. I will continue to look for what is good for Akure and ask Akure to support me for what is good for Akure,” he said.
