𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗢: 𝗔𝗸𝗲𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗔𝗸𝗲𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗼 𝗢𝗳 𝗜𝗴𝗯𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗯𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗼𝗶 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺.

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

21𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹, 2026.

High Chief (Barr.) Akeke Tari Akeke has been formally installed as the Jomiroko of Igbekebo Land in Apoi Kingdom, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, marking a significant development in the traditional leadership structure of the kingdom. The installation ceremony attracted a wide array of dignitaries, including members of the traditional council, political figures, and community stakeholders, reflecting the importance of the occasion to the people of Igbekebo in Ondo State. The event featured vibrant traditional rites, and homage-paying, underscoring the deep-rooted significance of the chieftaincy institution within the community’s sociocultural and governance systems.

The Jomiroko title is widely regarded as a prestigious and influential office within the Apoi Kingdom, embedded in the customs and administrative hierarchy of the area. As part of its responsibilities, the office plays a crucial role in advisory functions, conflict resolution, and the promotion of unity and development among the people.

In his acceptance speech, High Chief (Barr.) Akeke Tari Akeke expressed appreciation to the traditional council and the good people of Igbekebo land, for the honour bestowed upon him, describing his installation as both a privilege and a call to service. He pledged to uphold the values and traditions of the kingdom while working towards its collective progress, stating that his commitment would focus on promoting peace and contributing meaningfully to the development of the land.

He further highlighted the pressing need for sustained development in riverine communities, drawing attention to key areas such as infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment. Leveraging his background in law, he assured residents of his readiness to advocate for policies and initiatives that would positively impact Igbekebo and the broader Ese-Odo Local Government Area. His emergence, according to several community leaders, is both timely and strategic, given his professional experience and perceived capacity to bridge the gap between traditional authority and modern governance.

The installation also received commendation from prominent personalities present at the ceremony, who emphasized the importance of entrusting traditional responsibilities to capable individuals in contemporary society. They expressed confidence that the new Jomiroko would foster unity, address prevailing challenges, and strengthen engagement between the community and relevant government institutions. The Odogun of Igbekebo, His Royal Majesty Pere Dele Dabo, supported by members of the traditional council, formally presented him with the insignia of office, symbolizing his authority and recognition within the chieftaincy system.

Beyond the ceremony, the event reinforced the enduring relevance of traditional institutions within Nigeria’s governance framework. Across Ondo State, such titles continue to play vital roles in preserving identity, mediating conflicts, and driving grassroots development. For the people of Igbekebo, the installation of High Chief (Barr.) Akeke Tari Akeke is widely seen as the beginning of a new phase of inclusive leadership, cultural preservation, and strategic growth, with many residents expressing optimism that his tenure will be defined by service, integrity, and tangible progress.