The enthronement of Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State has begun with the installation of Prince Akeem Benjamin Ogunbangbe as the Saloro-Owaloko by the Iloko-Ijesa Traditional Council.
The chieftaincy title is the highest in the ancient town and it is exclusive to those confirmed to be monarchs in Iloko-Ijesa.
At a ceremony at a sacred place called Ile-Ase, the traditional dicing of kola nut was done while the traditional cleansing was conducted with salt.
The Owaloko-elect visited sacred places as he moved round the town.
Ogunbangbe had a stop-over at Idi-Aragba tower, which he circumvented seven times.
The action attracted jubilation among the residents who had waited for the occasion for about five years.
Also addressing reporters, the Regent of Iloko-Ijesa, who is also the Head of the Ijesha Traditional Council/Kingmakers, High Chief Olusola Ogunsanya, expressed satisfaction with the development.
He noted that Ogunbangbe had been confirmed by the kingmakers since 2015 to occupy the stool which has been vacant since 2012 but for internal wrangling among those who contested the kingship of the town.
Ogunsanya urged Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola to approve the appointment of Ogunbangbe to fast-track the traditional rites needed to crown him.
He said: “We have a tradition that anybody becoming the Owaloko must first step into the shoes of the Saloro, who is one of the high chiefs within a minimum of nine days before he ascends the throne of Owaloko. What we are expecting now is the announcement from the state government.”
After nine days, the crown prince is expected to be installed while he leaves for the Igbekun at Odofin’s compound where he is to stay for 21 days in seclusion before he is presented with an official staff and instrument of office.