Ondo monarch-elect seeks varsity, better roads from Aiyedatiwa

The newly elected Owa of Idanre in Ondo State, Mayowa Aroloye, has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to provide a university, better roads, improved healthcare and other infrastructure for the community.

Aroloye made the appeal on Tuesday after emerging as the next traditional ruler of the ancient town, saying his reign would prioritise development, social advancement and the promotion of Idanre’s cultural heritage.

He said his administration would work to make the community more prominent and attract wider recognition.

‎”We should be expecting more developments, more social life, and we are ready to make sure our culture and our tradition are being promoted to another level. We want the whole world to know there’s a place called Idanre.
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‎“I have so many things to ask from the government, so many things. We want good roads, a university, good healthcare system and many modern infrastructural facilities,” he said.

Aroloye emerged after a selection exercise involving seven princes from the Aroloye Royal Family, securing seven of the eight votes cast by the kingmakers.

His emergence ended a vacancy of more than two years on the Owa of Idanre stool, following the death of his predecessor, Oba Frederick Adegunle Aroloye, in July 2024.

The late monarch, who was the 26th Owa of Idanre, died at the age of 102 after reigning for 48 years, having ascended the throne in 1976.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Idanre Local Government Area, Smart Omotadowa, urged the princes and residents to unite behind the incoming monarch, warning against allowing individual interests to divide the community.

He said the selection of a new ruler should not become a source of conflict, adding that the collective interest of Idanre should take precedence.

“There is nothing to fight about. Idanre is greater than any one of us. Whoever emerges today is one Aroloye family. Nothing is being manipulated,” Omotadowa said.

The selection process had earlier generated controversy, with members of the Aroloye family petitioning Aiyedatiwa in January over alleged attempts by government officials to support an ineligible candidate.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, denied the allegation, saying the government had no hand in the selection and that eligibility was a matter for the kingmakers.

In May, the Idanre Development Assembly also appealed to the governor to ensure the selection process was resumed and concluded after the prolonged vacancy on the throne.