Oba Adebola Ascends Throne as 6th Olugbagun of Igbagun

The coronation ceremony of His Royal Highness (HRH) Oba Samuel Shola Adebola as the 6th Olugbagun of Igbagun Kingdom in Yagba East, Kogi State, marked a historic milestone for the kingdom, symbolizing a new chapter in its rich heritage. It came at the end of a week-long series of events and was officially held yesterday amidst widespread celebration and reverence.

The Kogi State Government  confirmed the appointment of Shola Adebola Samuel as the new Olugbagun of Igbagun in the Yagba East Local Government Area. A seasoned educator, activist, administrator, journalist, politician, and community advocate, Shola Adebola Samuel is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the growth and development of both his community and the state at large.

The official confirmation came through a letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dated May 22, 2025, and shared with members of the press. Igbagun, a notable community in South East Yagba and home to the Yoruba-speaking Okun people, had been without a traditional ruler since the passing of the former Olugbagun, Oba Joshua Adeyemi, on October 3, 2024.

The elaborate festivities began the previous Monday and drew an impressive gathering of distinguished royal figures, dignitaries, and honored guests who came from various regions to witness the enthronement of the new monarch.

Among the notable attendees were HRM Oba Samuel Ibilaye, the revered Adetula of Ilai Kingdom; HRH Oba Segun Aliu, the esteemed Ohnorare of Oranre Kingdom; Otunba Abidemi Agengbe, the illustrious Otunba of Ijowa; and a representative from the Yagba East Traditional Council.

Also present were Barrister Bola Fabola, a respected leader from a prominent political family, as well as religious leaders from diverse faiths and other esteemed personalities.

As part of the traditional coronation rites, HRH Oba Samuel Shola Adebola paid homage to his predecessors, honoring the legacy that began with Oba Daudu Fadile, the first Bale of Igbagun Kingdom who served from 1920 to 1925 but was not crowned as Oba.

The lineage continues through HRH Oba Eseyin Jeminiwa Fadumila, Oba Aliu M. Enikanolaye, Oba Babatunde Musa Olukotun, and Oba Joshua A. Adeyemi, culminating in the current monarch. Following the traditional rites, the new Olugbagun, along with his family and well-wishers, concluded the ceremony with a church thanksgiving service.

In his acceptance speech, HRH Oba Samuel Shola Adebola pledged to uphold the customs and traditions of his ancestors, promising to dedicate himself to the advancement, unity, and cultural preservation of the Igbagun Kingdom. He expressed his commitment to providing visionary leadership that would promote progress and development within the community.

The dignitaries and guests offered heartfelt prayers for the new monarch, wishing him a long life, good health, abundant blessings, protection, wisdom, strength, and success. They also prayed for victory over all challenges and hoped that under his reign, the kingdom would experience prosperity and sustained growth.

With his coronation now complete, HRH Oba Samuel Shola Adebola is set to lead the Igbagun Kingdom into a promising era marked by progress, unity, and cultural renaissance.