From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for upgrading 10 traditional rulers to First Class status, describing the move as a significant step toward equitable development across the state.
In a congratulatory and appeal letter addressed to the governor, the community also extended felicitations to the newly promoted monarchs, all of whom are from Kwara South.
However, in the letter dated April 6, 2026, and signed by the Asiwaju of Oke-Odeland, Hon. Kolawole Yusuf, and the National President of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Bello, the community expressed concern over what it described as the “surprising exclusion” of the Elesa of Oke-Ode from the list.
The community urged the governor to reconsider the decision, citing the historical significance of the Elesa Stool within the traditional institution in Kwara State.
Related News
According to the statement, the Elesa Stool is among the oldest and most prominent traditional institutions in Igbominaland and the state at large. It noted that the stool was officially recognised and graded during the era of the Northern Regional Administration, shortly after the creation of Kwara State in 1967.
The leaders recalled that the Elesa was conferred with Third Class status in 1971 by the military administration of Col. David Bamigboye, and was later upgraded to Second Class status in 2005—a position it has retained to date, making it one of the most senior Second Class stool prior to the recent exercise.
They argued that if seniority is a key criterion in determining elevation, the Elesa of Oke-Ode merits consideration for First Class status.
The community also referenced a pledge reportedly made by the governor during his condolence visit to Oke-Ode in October 2025, following the September 28 bandit attack. During the visit, the governor had assured residents that the stool would be considered for upgrade once a new Elesa was appointed.
With the appointment of a new Elesa in December 2025, the community said it believes the assurance should now be fulfilled.
While expressing confidence in the governor’s commitment to fairness and justice, the community appealed for urgent action to address what it described as a long-standing injustice and to grant the Elesa Stool its anticipated elevation to First Class status.
