Historic Celebration in Ogbagi Akoko as Uko Community Crowns New Oluko, High Chief Nofiu Yemi Mohammed (Adeogun I)

….Dignitaries, Traditional Rulers, and Political Leaders Grace Colourful Iwuye Ceremony

The peaceful town of Ogbagi Akoko in Ondo State was aglow with excitement and colour on Saturday, October 11, 2025, as the people of Uko community rolled out the drums to celebrate the grand Iwuye (Coronation) Ceremony of their new traditional ruler, High Chief Nofiu Yemi Mohammed (Adeogun I), the newly installed Oluko of Uko.

The historic occasion, marked by glamour, tradition, and heartfelt jubilation, drew an impressive gathering of royal fathers, political dignitaries, community leaders, and indigenes from home and abroad, all united in honour of the new monarch.

Leading the array of royal fathers was the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Adetona, the Odagbaragada III, who attended the event with other High Chiefs of Ogbagi. In his address, Oba Adetona hailed the enthronement as a defining moment that will strengthen peace, unity, and sustainable development in Uko and across Ogbagi Kingdom.

The high-profile ceremony was also attended by notable personalities including the Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Hon. Thalis Apalowo; the Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government, Hon. Esan Owolabi; and the Chairman of Irun/Ogbagi LCDA, Hon. Mohammed Oladele Taofik.

Other dignitaries present included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Forestry, Hon. Christopher Olorunfemi; Special Advisers on Mobilization, Hon. Bode Awe and Hon. Bawa; the Regent of Iwore; and the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Barrister Olorunfemi, among several prominent guests from within and outside the state.

Representatives of the Uko community in the diaspora also sent goodwill messages, commending the peaceful and inclusive selection process that produced the new Oluko. They pledged their continuous support toward community development initiatives and urged unity among all sons and daughters of Uko.

In his royal acceptance speech, the Oluko of Uko, High Chief Nofiu Yemi Mohammed (Adeogun I), expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, the Owa of Ogbagi, and the entire Uko people for the honour bestowed upon him. He promised to lead with transparency, humility, and commitment to the progress of the community.

“This is a collective victory for our people,” he said. “Our goal is to build a peaceful, united, and progressive Uko where our youths can thrive and our culture continues to flourish.”

A major highlight of the event was the cutting of the coronation cake, led by the new Oluko, accompanied by dignitaries, traditional chiefs, and government representatives. The symbolic gesture, which drew loud cheers from the crowd, signified unity, love, and renewed prosperity for the community.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of gifts to the new Oluko by various groups, families, and well-wishers, both from home and abroad. Gifts ranging from cultural artifacts, artworks, and community development pledges were offered as tokens of honour and solidarity with the new monarch. The moment was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt appreciation as the Oluko personally acknowledged the donors and expressed gratitude for their goodwill.

The festive atmosphere was further heightened by cultural displays, traditional drumming, and dance performances that showcased the rich heritage and artistic excellence of Ogbagi Akoko.

Community stakeholders and observers described the event as a rebirth of Uko’s traditional pride and a fresh opportunity for coordinated progress under a visionary leader. Many expressed optimism that the reign of High Chief Nofiu Yemi Mohammed (Adeogun I) will bring renewed unity, social harmony, and infrastructural growth to Uko and its environs.

As the day drew to a close, the joyous echoes of drums and songs of praise filled the air, a true reflection of a people proud of their heritage and hopeful for a brighter future under their newly crowned monarch.