Ondo: Businessman Benson Akingbaso emerges Alade-Idanre Oba-elect

An Estate Developer and astute Businessman, Otunba Benson Akingbaso has been elected as the traditional ruler of Alade-Idanre in Idanre Local Local  Government Area of Ondo State after a selection process.

The selection of Akingbaso as the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre is coming after four years of the demise of late Oba Olusegun Ayodele Akinbola, who joined his ancestors on October 16, 2020 at the age of 80.

The selection and election  of Akingbaso laid to rest the contest for traditional stool between Benson Akingbaso and Akinboro Toba who contested for the traditional stool of the ancient town in Ondo state.

Speaking after the election, the Regent and Lisa of Alade-Idanre, Oladipo Akinsowon, said Akingbaso polled 12 votes while Toba scored three votes, noting that the selection process was in line with the tradition of the town.

Akinsowon who is also the Head of the community’s Kingmakers, justified that the former monarch was installed through the ballot process, saying, “After the voting, the outcome shows that Otunba Benson Akingbaso has 12 votes while Prince Akinboro Toba had three votes and in view of this, I therefore declare Akingbaso as the Oba-elect.

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“After this process, we will write the local government that Alade has identified and selected a new monarch for the town so that after that, we will hold another meeting where the Secretary of the LG to confirm the appointment.

“Thereafter, a letter will be written through my office as the regent and the principal officer of the kingmakers, to them, confirming the appointment, copy of which will go to the chieftiancy commission in Akure.

“Afterwards, the traditional people will then come together as headed by my office and will then go to the process of installation.

He stressed that the town was long overdue for a new monarch since the demise of Oba Akinbola who was one of the pioneering producers of the popular sitcom, Village Headmaster, created in 1968 by the late Ambassador Segun Olusola.

Addressing the people of his community after his election, the Oba-elect, Akingbaso promised to foster peace, unite, develop the community, restore moral values, and bring development and linkages.

The new monarch urged his subjects to come together for the rapid development of the town and to ensure peaceful coexistence.

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