A 33-year old police officer Olayinka Jokotola has joined the race for the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, State.
There are 17 others competing in the race.
Jokotola, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), currently commands a Mobile Police Unit in Oyo State where he is making his own significant contribution to public safety.
The last Olojudo Oba (Arch.) Aderemi Adedapo joined his ancestors on May 17, 2024. He spent 19 years on the throne during which the ancient town witnessed some development. He was the secretary of the Yoruba Council of Obas in Nigeria till his demise, using every opportunity to project the town.
His burial ceremony in July paved the way for commencement of the contest to fill the vacant stool. Since then, 18 princes have signified interest in mounting the throne of their forefathers. All the aspirants have obtained intent form from the kingmakers in the town, creating a keen contest for the throne.
According to the 1959 Ido-Osun Chieftaincy Declaration, the crown rotates between Enukoko and Adenko ruling houses. The late Oba Adedapo hailed from Enukoko ruling house.
Jokotola, a prince from Adenko ruling house, is said to have a promising career in the police having risen to his current rank of DSP at just age of 33 years but that his passion for community development accounts for his interest in the throne.
Though all efforts for The Nation to speak with the Olojudo-hopeful were unsuccessful, a source who has good knowledge of the young police officer said Jokotola’s interest in the throne is a childhood ambition which has received the blessing of his relations, family heads and stakeholders in the town.
One of the youngest among the aspirants, the source explained that Jokotola is intelligent, exposed, connected and committed to the development of Ido-Osun.
The source said: “If you get any close to Prince Jokotola, you can’t help falling in love with him. He is a natural leader, inspiring and considerate.”
Other aspirants include a civil servant and Christian cleric Venerable Idowu Jokotola; United States-based business man Johnson Jokotola; Abass Adeyeye and Akeeb Oyeyemi.
They also include Ismail Alade, Rasheed Adebomi, Adetoyese Oyeyemi , Kamorudeen Adebisi, Oseni Akintunde, Mujeeb Olasupo, Oladele Olasupo and 73-year old Najimu Oyebamiji.
Jokotola’s age, leadership qualities and passion for the town’s development are seen as giving him an advantage in the race to the throne.
