By Kunle Ademola
ABEOKUTA – The ancient city of Abeokuta witnessed a significant shift in its traditional commercial leadership on Monday, May 11, 2026, as Chief Shuaibu Adisa Aro was officially elected as the new Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland.
The election, held within the hallowed halls of the Ake Palace, marks the conclusion of a high-stakes transition for one of the most vital traditional stools in the Egba Kingdom. The atmosphere was one of solemnity and prestige, reflecting the weight of the office being filled.
The proceedings were conducted under the watchful eyes of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV. His Majesty’s presence underscored the cultural and economic importance of the Olori Parakoyi to the stability of the kingdom.
Supervising the democratic process was Hon. Mustapha Kodaolu Olajide, the Secretary to the Abeokuta South Local Government. His involvement ensured that the exercise met the necessary administrative standards required for such a high-profile traditional appointment.
The contest was a tightly fought race between two prominent sons of Igbore. Chief Shuaibu Adisa Aro, who already holds the titles of Jagunmolu Aje Igbore and Jagunmolu Aje Egba, faced off against Chief Jonathan Oluwole Odekunle in a battle of influence and vision.
Out of the seven electors cleared by the Alake from the Igbore township, Chief Aro secured a narrow but decisive victory. He polled four votes against Chief Odekunle’s three, a result that highlighted the competitive nature of the selection process.
Following the announcement of the results, the Igbore community erupted in celebration. In a joint statement, the sons and daughters of Igbore heartily congratulated Chief Aro, describing his victory as a win for the entire township.
The community leadership, through a press release signed by prominent titleholders, reaffirmed their absolute confidence in Chief Aro’s capacity. They described him as a “true son of Igbore” whose philanthropic track record speaks volumes of his character.
The Igbore people highlighted Chief Aro’s extraordinary commitment to the development of both his home township and the wider Egbaland. They noted that his new mandate is a fitting recognition of his years of selfless service to the people.
In his first official reaction to the victory, the Olori Parakoyi Egba-elect expressed profound gratitude to the Alake of Egbaland. Chief Aro thanked Oba Gbadebo for his unwavering patience and leadership throughout the five-year-long process to fill the stool.
“I pledge my unflinching loyalty and total submission to Kabiyesi,” Chief Aro stated. He acknowledged the monarch’s “unrelented efforts” in ensuring that the selection process was conducted with the highest level of integrity and tradition.
Chief Aro also extended his appreciation to the kingmakers and traditional pillars of Igbore. He specifically thanked the Oluwo Igbore, Chief Anthony Olaiwola Oliyide; the Balogun Igbore, Chief Tajudeen Lemboye; and the Jagunna Igbore, Chief Imran Taiwo.
The Olori Parakoyi-elect did not forget the intellectual and peace-building wing of his community. He offered thanks to the Igbore Peace and Harmony Consultative Committee, led by the distinguished Professor Afolabi Soyode, for their steadfastness during the contest.
Recognizing the gravity of his new role, Chief Aro emphasized that his election is not merely a title of honor but a significant “call to service.” He noted that the office carries a historical mandate to oversee trade and commerce.
One of his primary goals, he revealed, is the effective coordination of Parakoyi Chiefs across Egbaland. He aims to revitalize their traditional roles to ensure they remain relevant in the modern economic landscape of Ogun State.
Chief Aro also signaled his intention to bridge the gap between traditional structures and grassroots traders. He pledged to work closely with Market Chiefs and the leaders of market women and men across the Egba territories.
“The goal is effective coordination of trade and commerce,” Chief Aro remarked. He promised to foster an environment where small and large-scale businesses can thrive under the traditional guidance of the Parakoyi institution.
The joint statement congratulating the new chief was signed by a high-powered delegation including Chief Othneil Atanda Adeboye (Olori Omo Ilu Igbore) and Chief Elias Bisiriyu Giwa Lauck (Secretary Omo Ilu Igbore).
Also lending their support were the youth leaders of the community, Chief Ogunmuyiwa Atewolara (Olori Odo Ilu Igbore and Chairman, Igbore Youths Development Association) and Chief Sakiru Ogunbodede (Secretary, Igbore Youths Development Association).
As the Olori Parakoyi Egba-elect prepares for his formal installation ceremonies, the people of Abeokuta look forward to a reign characterized by economic growth, unity among traders, and a strengthened bond between the marketplace and the Palace.
