The emergence of Prince Mayowa Toluade Aroloye as the Owa-elect of Idanre Kingdom has been described as a defining moment in the traditional institution’s history, following a succession process that lasted more than two years.
A prominent stakeholder in the kingdom, Mr Samuel Afolabi, said Aroloye’s selection represented an opportunity to strengthen the royal institution and preserve Idanre’s cultural heritage.
Afolabi, General Secretary of the Prince Mayowa Toluade Aroloye (PMA) Obaship Movement, made the remarks in a memoir made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday.
He said the selection of Aroloye on November 3 marked the conclusion of a keenly contested process and the beginning of a new phase for the kingdom.
The Owa-elect reportedly secured seven of the eight votes cast by accredited kingmakers, defeating six other contenders. Prince Babatope Aroloye received the remaining vote.
The selection was presided over by the Secretary of Idanre Local Government, Felix Akinfala, who announced Aroloye as the successful candidate.
Afolabi described the outcome as significant because of Aroloye’s connection to the late Oba Frederick Adegunle Aroloye, who ruled Idanre for 48 years after ascending the throne in 1976.
The late monarch died on July 30, 2024, at the age of 102, leaving the Owa stool vacant.
According to Afolabi, the younger Aroloye is the biological son of the late monarch and represents a continuation of the royal lineage.
He said the Owa-elect was born in Odode-Idanre and later pursued education and professional opportunities, including business and humanitarian engagements in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Afolabi said Aroloye returned to his ancestral community after his father’s death to participate in the succession process.
He expressed confidence that the prince’s exposure outside the country, combined with his connection to Idanre’s customs and traditions, would help him navigate the demands of traditional leadership in a changing society.
Succession process followed by controversy
Aroloye’s emergence came after a period of uncertainty and controversy surrounding the vacant stool.
In January 2026, members of the Aroloye family petitioned Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alleging that some government officials were supporting an aspirant they considered ineligible under the kingdom’s registered chieftaincy declaration.
The family called on the state government to ensure that the selection followed the applicable traditional and legal provisions.
However, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, denied the allegation, saying the government had no role in imposing a monarch and that eligibility was a matter for the kingmakers.
The selection exercise eventually took place on November 3, with Aroloye securing seven votes.
Following his emergence, the Owa-elect called on the state government to support Idanre with improved infrastructure, including better roads, a university and improved healthcare facilities.
He also pledged to promote the community’s cultural heritage and attract greater recognition for the ancient kingdom.
Afolabi said Aroloye’s emergence went beyond an individual or family achievement, describing it as an opportunity to reinforce the identity and continuity of Idanre’s traditional institution.
He expressed optimism that the incoming monarch would uphold the dignity of the throne and the legacy of the Aroloye lineage as the kingdom prepares for the formal coronation and transition of authority.
