Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has crowned Oba Samuel Oluwashola Adesanmi Daramola (Ujadiminegha Amuludero I) as the 20th Olupele of Ipele in Owo East Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor (Office of the Deputy Governor), John Paul Akinduro, in a statement on Thursday said Aiyedatiwa charged the new Olupele of Ipele to always be a king for all.

Presenting the instrument of appointment and staff of office to the new monarch at a colourful coronation ceremony in Ipele on Wednesday, governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the people for a successful process leading to the installation of Oba Daramola.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, appealed to other contenders and their followers to rally the new king to embrace peace and prosperity in the town.

While calling on the new monarch to unite the people, the governor also urged him to see his position as a divine call to service.

“Let me remind you that your appointment is a divine call to serve your people. You must always endeavor to exercise restraints and caution in the use of the traditional authority and powers, which are being conferred on you today,” the governor said.

The governor also reiterated the commitment of his administration to protecting the people of Ondo state while he sought the continued cooperation of every monarch.

“Let me inform you that the security of everyone in the state is a topmost priority of our administration and we shall continue to make concerted efforts to make our communities safe. Government needs your support and cooperation to make this possible. You are a king for all” the governor said.

On his part, the state commissioner for local government and chieftancy affairs, Amidu Takuro, enumerated the procedure that led to the emergence of the new Olupele.

“At the meeting of the kingmakers, which was held on Wednesday 27th February, 2024 for the purpose of selecting a new Olupele of Ipele, five out of the eight kingmakers voted for Prince Daramola Oluwashola Samuel and was consequently declared the Olupele-elect.

“The selection was consequently approved by the Ondo State Executive Council on the 26th September, 2024, following its confirmation that the process which culminated in the emergence of Prince Daramola as the Olupele of Ipele was in conformity with due process and extant chief laws of Ondo state”, Amidu highlighted.

Appreciating the government, royal fathers and the people of the town, Oba Daramola promised to work with government to make Ipele town “conducive, peaceful, safe and habitable”.