Estate developer and business tycoon, Otunba Benson Akingbaso, has been elected as the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre in the Idanre council area of Ondo State.
This election follows the passing of the late monarch of the town, Oba Olusegun Ayodele Akinbola, who joined his ancestors on October 16, 2020, at the age of 80.
Akingbaso’s election comes four years after the demise of Oba Akinbola.
The late Oba Akinbola was renowned as one of the pioneering producers of the popular sitcom, ‘Village Headmaster’, created in 1968 by the late Ambassador Segun Olusola.
Announcing the results of Akingbaso’s election, the head of the kingmakers in the community, who also serves as the Regent and Lisa of Alade-Idanre, Oladipo Akinsowon, disclosed that the stool was contested for by Benson Akingbaso and Toba Akinboro.
Akinsowon noted that the success of the exercise has put an end to several attempts to elect a new ruler in the community. Akingbaso, through the ballot, scored 12 votes, while Prince Akinboro scored three votes.
He therefore declared that, “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.
“After this process, we will write the local government that Alade has identified who-will-be Oba of this kingdom, 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 king makers, to them, confirming the appointment, copy of which will go to the Chieftaincy 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.
Akinsowon remarked that the town was long overdue for a new monarch following the passing of Oba Akinbola.
In his address to the people of his community after his election, the Oba-elect, Benson Akingbaso, pledged to promote peace, unity, and moral values, as well as to drive development and foster linkages.
He urged his subjects to unite for the rapid development of the town.
