“The Ikare Akoko monarch recommended the ‘Onimesi Model’ of peaceful neighbourhood diplomacy as a sustainable approach to fostering inter-community development and peace across Yorubaland and beyond”
By John Odunayo
The Owa Ale of Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, Oba Adeleke Adegbite, has hailed the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, Olaibiyemi II, for his inclusive and bridge-building leadership style.
The Owa Ale commended Oba Olatunde for fostering peace and regional unity and his native intelligence in amicably resolving situations that could have turned to war.
The Ikare Akoko monarch recommended the ‘Onimesi Model’ of peaceful neighbourhood diplomacy as a sustainable approach to fostering inter-community development and peace across Yorubaland and beyond.
These were contained in Oba Adegbite’s goodwill message delivered at the Imesi Palace on June 12, 2025 during the grand finale of the activities marking the fifth coronation anniversary of Oba Olatunde, according to a statement from the Onimesi Media Bureau in Monday.
The Ikare Akoko monarch, whose message was delivered by a representative, praised the Onimesi for “championing a new era of friendship, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence across traditional boundaries.
He acknowledged the deep-rooted historical tensions that once existed between Imesi and Ikare, describing the relationship as one of “perpetual warring” in times past.
The Owa Ale, however, noted with deep admiration that “the ascension to the throne and leadership of Oba Festus Olatunji Olatunde have marked a turning point in the relationship between both communities”.
He described the cordial relationship now thriving between Imesi Ekiti in Ekiti State and its Ondo State neighbours – particularly Ikare, Ogbagi and Irun-Akoko – as “highly commendable and worthy of emulation”.
The Owa Ale recalled that “the presence of eminent traditional rulers from beyond Ekiti State including the Zaki of Arigidi, the Akarigbo of Remo in Ogun State, and HRM Oba Elepe of Epe, among others at the first coronation anniversary of Oba Olatunde in 2021 was “a testament to the Onimesi’s inclusive and bridge-building leadership”.
