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Oba Daniel Anirare Aladesanmi II: The Long-Reigning Ewi of Ado-Ekiti Who Bridged Tradition and Modern Nigeria

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Oba Daniel Anirare Aladesanmi II (1902 – 7 January 1983) was one of the most respected Yoruba monarchs of the twentieth century. As the 18th Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, he reigned for an extraordinary 46 years (1937–1983)—a period that witnessed Nigeria’s transformation from British colonial rule to independence and through the country’s early decades as a sovereign nation. His life and reign embodied the delicate balance between preserving Yoruba tradition and embracing modern statehood.

Early Life and Ascension

Born in 1902 into the royal family of Ado-Ekiti (present-day Ekiti State, Nigeria), Daniel Anirare Aladesanmi was groomed in the customs and responsibilities of Yoruba royalty.

Following the death of Oba Adeniyi Ajibade Agunsoye, the throne of the Ewi became vacant. After the traditional selection by Ado-Ekiti’s kingmakers, Daniel Anirare Aladesanmi was chosen and installed on 18 June 1937 as the 18th Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. His coronation took place under the oversight of the British colonial administration, making him the paramount traditional ruler of the Ekiti people at a time when colonial authorities still wielded strong influence over local governance.

Statesmanship in Colonial and Post-Colonial Nigeria

From the outset, Oba Aladesanmi II earned a reputation for diplomacy and political acumen. He became a trusted intermediary between Yoruba traditional institutions and the British government, ensuring that Ekiti interests were heard.

His stature was evident in 1959, when he joined other prominent leaders at the Nigerian Constitutional Independence Conference in London, representing Ekiti and Yoruba traditional rulers as the framework for Nigeria’s 1960 independence was negotiated.

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After independence, he continued to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. He served as Deputy President of the Western House of Chiefs, the legislative chamber that united Yoruba traditional rulers to debate regional policy in the old Western Region. In this role, he worked alongside other eminent Yoruba monarchs—such as the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo—helping to shape political discourse and regional development.

Cultural Leadership and Modernization

While he safeguarded Yoruba customs and rituals, Oba Aladesanmi II also championed modernization in Ado-Ekiti:

Education: He supported the establishment and expansion of schools, notably encouraging the growth of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, which became a leading institution in the region.

Infrastructure: He promoted the development of roads, markets, and modern amenities during the Western Region’s mid-20th-century development programmes.

Palace as a Cultural Hub: Under his leadership, the Ewi’s Palace remained a vibrant centre of Yoruba tradition, while also serving as a forum for dialogue between traditional authority and modern government.

Through these initiatives, he preserved the cultural identity of the Ekiti people while guiding them into the modern Nigerian state.

Honours and Recognition

Oba Aladesanmi II’s leadership was recognised both nationally and internationally:

In 1962, during Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit to Nigeria, he was invested as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his distinguished service and for fostering constructive relations between the colonial government and Yoruba traditional authorities.

In 1978, the Federal Republic of Nigeria awarded him the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), acknowledging his decades of steady leadership and contribution to nation-building.

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Death and Legacy

Oba Daniel Anirare Aladesanmi II died on 7 January 1983 at the age of 81, after nearly half a century on the throne. His passing was widely mourned across Ekiti and Yorubaland.

He is remembered not only for his longevity but for his rare ability to bridge the worlds of tradition and modern governance. His reign gave Ado-Ekiti continuity and stability through colonial rule, independence, and Nigeria’s early post-colonial and military eras.

Today, the Ewi’s Palace in Ado-Ekiti remains a living symbol of his legacy—testament to the enduring relevance of Yoruba monarchy in the political and cultural life of modern Nigeria.

Sources
Adebayo, A. G. Ekiti People and Their Neighbours: A History of Inter-Group Relations. Ibadan: University Press, 1993.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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