It was a celebration galore for the people of Ekan kingdom as their monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba David Adekunle Olaniyan, the Elekan of Ekan Kingdom in the Oke-Ero LGA, Kwara State for the elevation to the first class status.
The State government on Thursday 4th of January 2024, had presented a 2nd Class letters of appointment and Staff of Office to the Oba at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development.
But on 3rd of April, 2026, a letter came from the state government announcing the elevation to a first class status, alongside other traditional rulers in the Kwara South.
According to the High Chief Segun Atolagbe, the newly installed Obanurin of Ekan Kingdom, the Oba received the certificate on the “3rd of April which was the very day I completed my mandatory 7 day traditional igbele after the installation as the OBANURIN of Ekan Kingdom.
“I just returned the 2nd class staff of office to Ilorin yesterday hoping to collect the 1st class of office anytime from now,” he said.
Commendation and celebration have been flowing from within and outside the town since the announcement.
Barrister Anthony Kayode Towoju, Chairman of Ekan Development Association, EDA, said “on behalf of the Executive Members of the Ekan Community Development Association (EDA), we express our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba David Adekunle Olaniyan, Orifemiloye, Odùndún Asòdẹ́dẹ̀rò I, Elekan of Ekan Land, his esteemed Chiefs, the newly installed Honourary Chiefs, the Merit Awardees, and all sons and daughters of Ekan Land for their unwavering support, presence, and invaluable contributions to the success of the Ekan Day 2026 Celebration.
“Your show of unity, commitment, and love for the community went beyond expectation and served as a powerful reminder of the strength and pride of Ekan Land. The success recorded was not just in the events of the day, but in the spirit of togetherness and dedication demonstrated by all.”
Also, “the entire Sons and Daughters of Ogbon Ona Ilale, truly appreciate His Royal Majesty, the Elekan in Council, all the Chiefs, the EDA President, the EDA Executives, all Ekan Sons and Daughters for these milestones.
“We do not take the kind gesture of All Ekan Sons and Daughters for granted by choosing one of our illustrious Sons (High Chief Segun Michael Atolagbe) worthy to occupy one of the highly revered Chieftaincy titles in Ekan Kingdom – The OBANURIN of EKAN KINGDOM
“We are of the great notion that it was not coincidence that when he was installed as High Chief Obanurin, concurrently, on the day of his outing as newly installed Obanurin, the good news broke out that the throne of Ekan Kingdom has been elevated to First Class Stool in Kwara State and Nigeria.
“This is nothing but divine arrangement from the throne of Grace. For this we are grateful to Almighty God and to His Royal Majesty.”
A statement by Jolayemi Abiodun Rotimi, Chief Press Secretary, ELEKAN IN COUNCIL, said: “On behalf of His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Olaniyan David Adekunle Orifemiloye I, Odundun Asodedero, Elekan of Ekan, and the entire Elekan-in-Council, extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Ekan Development Association (EDA) under the exemplary leadership of Barr. Chief Kayode Anthony Towoju (National President), as well as the Ekan Day Planning Committee ably led by Otunba Timothy Alayode (Chairman) for the remarkable success of this year’s Ekan Day celebration.
“The event stood as a true reflection of unity, dedication, and collective commitment to the growth and development of Ekan community. Your tireless efforts, strategic planning, and spirit of cooperation have once again demonstrated the strength and progress of our people both at home and in the diaspora.”
A statement signed by Comrade Gabriel Adeboye Adaraloye (JP) on behalf of Oke OKin Compound also congratulated the community saying that “this prestigious elevation is a true reflection of your unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and tireless commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural heritage of our people.
“Your reign has continued to inspire pride, peace, and development within the land, and this recognition further affirms your distinguished place among revered traditional rulers.
“We celebrate this historic milestone with immense gratitude and honor, praying that your reign continues to flourish in wisdom, strength, and divine guidance. May your throne be forever blessed, and may your legacy endure for generations to come.”
Even the Oore of Otun Ekiti and Chairman, Moba Traditional Council of Obas and Kings, Ekiti State, Coordinator Southwest National Council of Traditional Rulers, Abuja equally congratulated “his royal blood brother, The Elekan of Ekan Meje, Kwara state for his elevation to First class. We are proud of you as a Royal Eagle of Mobaland.”
Ekan is the headquarters of the seven communities that formed the Ekan Meje Kingdom in the present day Oke Ero Local Government of Kwara State in the North Central geo-political zone of Nigeria.
Ekan is last town in the south of Kwara State and shares boundary with Otun, Erimope, Osan (in Ekiti State) and Ora Igbomina (in Osun State.)
Ekan is made up 15 Compounds, divided into three Districts.
According to legend, the people of Ekan led by the first Elekan, a direct descendant of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba, migrated from Ile-Ife to the present location several centuries ago.
Oba Olaniyan is the 32nd Oba in the town and there had been 16 Baales before the first Oba.
In fact, Ekan was never conquered by any community or subjugated under any kingdom of old.
Equally, Reverend Samuel Johnson in his book: The History of the Yorubas stated on Page 435 that the “people of Ekan were very powerful and hunters sharp shooters as such successfully defended their chiefdom against the notorious Ibadan warriors during the Jalumi war of 1878.”
In fact, during the war, the Oke Okin compound, because of their warlike traits, was moved from the initial abode at Ile Obajemu to the present site to form the Northern garrison to protect the community from the invading enemy.
History also records that the Elekan lives in the most ancient palace in the whole of Ekitiland of Kwara State.
This palace, according to sources in the community was built more than 500 years ago by the whole of Ekan Meje communities.
The Elekan has also been a prominent Oba among Ekiti crowned Obas in the entire Yorubaland. This fact was upheld by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, during the Ekundayo chieftaincy panel in 1978, when he confirmed that the crown wore by Elekan was the original, ancient crown from Ile Ife.
Also in 1926, the Elekan became the District Head of of Ekan Meje Community.
This is attested to by Honourable Hermon-Hodges, the gazetter of Ilorin Province in his publication of 1929.
According to him, Elekan was made the presiding Judge in Ekiti Native Court.
And as perks of office then, the Elekan had one scribe, two messengers and an official rest house. In 1934, the then Elekan, Oba Atewogbade was on a salary of ten shillings per month, which was the highest salary by any Oba in Ekiti at that time.
