Onirele begins construction of first royal palace in over 100 years

Irele-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State has taken a step towards strengthening its traditional institution with the groundbreaking for its first official royal palace, a project expected to redefine the identity and cultural heritage of the community.

The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and indigenes, who described the project as a landmark development that will preserve the history of the kingdom while providing a befitting seat for the traditional institution.

The Onirele of Irele Kingdom, Oba Oluwatoyin Andero, described the project as the fulfilment of a divine vision conceived immediately after his ascension to the throne.

He said it is designed to end the long-standing tradition of installing and hosting monarchs in their private family homes, stressing that the time had come for Irele-Ekiti to have a palace that truly reflects the dignity, honour and cultural significance of its traditional institution.

“This project is like a divine vision that God placed in my heart. Immediately I ascended the throne, I became convinced that it was time for my community to move away from the tradition of installing kings in their fathers’ houses. I wanted us to usher in a new era where our monarchs will be installed in a befitting royal palace that reflects the dignity of the institution,” he said.

Oba Andero noted that the project will rewrite the history of the over 100-year-old community, which, despite its rich heritage, had never possessed a structure worthy of being called a royal palace.

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He expressed delight that the vision had begun to materialise, describing it as the first project of its kind in Irele-Ekiti and neighbouring communities.

The monarch explained that upon completion, the palace will serve not only as the official residence of the Onirele but also as a cultural and administrative centre where traditional festivals, community meetings and historical archives will be preserved for future generations.

He appealed to his subjects to contribute generously towards the completion of the project, stressing that collective commitment remained the key to the community’s development.

Also, chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Michael Ogungbemi, described the project as a legacy that will stand as a symbol of the community’s history, culture and aspirations.