IDA Urges Aiyedatiwa to Approve Selection of New Owa of Idanre
The Idanre Development Assembly (IDA) has appealed to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to urgently approve the resumption and conclusion of the selection process for a new Owa of Idanre Kingdom.
In a letter dated May 7, 2026, and addressed to the governor at the Government House in Alagbaka, Akure, the socio-cultural body expressed concern over the prolonged vacancy on the throne following the transition of the former Owa on July 31, 2024.
The letter, jointly signed by the President-General of the IDA, Chief Dr. Anthony A. Omolola, and the Secretary-General, Prof. Oluropo E. Akinfala, noted that the situation had been worsened by the recent death of the Regent and Lisa of Idanre Kingdom, High Chief Christopher Oluwole Akindolire, on May 1, 2026.
According to the group, the absence of a substantive monarch has created social and economic hardships across Idanreland, particularly affecting traders and market women whose trading locations were allegedly relocated to unsafe and unconducive areas pending the installation of a new king.
“The market women and men are worst hit in the hardships with the cultural relocations of their marketplaces to areas that are not conducive and dangerous for their merchandise,” the letter stated.
The IDA further claimed that several motor and motorcycle accidents, including incidents involving loss of lives and limbs, had occurred in the affected areas.
The assembly said the selection process for a new Owa had already advanced to the stage where kingmakers were expected to convene publicly under the supervision of local government officials to elect a new monarch before the process was halted by the state government.
The group argued that the suspension of the process had deprived the kingmakers of the experience and guidance of the late High Chief Akindolire, whose passing, it said, had heightened tension and debate within the kingdom.
Appealing to the governor to intervene in the interest of peace and stability, the IDA urged the state government to approve a date — preferably within May 2026 — for the completion of the selection process.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the group stated, expressing confidence in the governor’s commitment to peace and development in Ondo State.
