Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida, known by his regnal name Afunbiowo II, served as the 46th Deji of Akure Kingdom in present-day Ondo State, Nigeria. Although his reign lasted just over three years—from August 13, 2010, until his death on November 30, 2013—it remains memorable for rekindling the prestige of one of the most influential dynasties in Yorubaland and reaffirming Akure’s deep royal heritage.
Royal Lineage and Early Life
Born on September 5, 1950, Prince Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida was steeped in Akure’s royal tradition from birth. His father, Omoba Josiah Stanley Adegboye Adesida, was a respected prince though he never occupied the throne. More significantly, Adebiyi was the grandson of Oba Afunbiowo Adesida I (reigned 1897–1957), whose extraordinary 60-year reign stands among the longest in Yoruba history.
Choosing the regnal title “Afunbiowo II” paid direct homage to his grandfather’s legacy of wisdom, stability, and community development—linking his own brief reign to the golden era of Akure’s monarchy.
Path to the Throne
Following the traditional selection process by the royal families and kingmakers, Prince Adebiyi Adegboye emerged as the chosen candidate for the vacant stool of the Deji. He was formally crowned on August 13, 2010, and later presented with the staff of office on September 13, 2010 by the then Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
His ascension restored the Adesida dynasty, which had dominated the Akure throne for most of the 20th century, after several decades of alternating royal lines. This return of his family to the palace reinforced the enduring political and cultural influence of the Adesidas in Akure’s history.
Reign and Contributions
Despite a reign of just over three years, Afunbiowo II worked diligently to strengthen the cultural and political relevance of the Deji’s palace. Among his key contributions:
Promotion of Traditional Festivals: He gave new prominence to the Akure Festival and other cultural celebrations, emphasizing the preservation of Akure’s rich Yoruba traditions.
Unity Among Royal Houses: He sought to heal long-standing disputes among ruling families, fostering stability within the kingdom.
Bridge Between Tradition and Modern Governance: Afunbiowo II maintained close cooperation with the Ondo State government, advocating for development projects and ensuring that the traditional institution remained an integral voice in the state’s social and economic progress.
His reign coincided with a period of rapid urban and economic development in Ondo State, and he served as an important intermediary between the people of Akure and the state authorities.
Passing and Succession
Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II died on November 30, 2013, reportedly after a brief illness, at the age of 63. His death was widely mourned in Akure and across Yorubaland.
Following a period of traditional rites and a short interregnum, the throne was eventually filled in 2015 by Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi (Odundun II), continuing the historic lineage of the Deji of Akure.
Legacy
Though his reign was brief, Afunbiowo II is remembered for revitalizing the legacy of his grandfather and for serving as a symbol of continuity in a modernizing Nigeria. His leadership reaffirmed the cultural identity of the Akure people and strengthened the role of traditional monarchy as a custodian of Yoruba heritage.
Sources
The Nation (Nigeria), “Afunbiowo II joins ancestors,” December 2, 2013.
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