Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lt. Col. Nurudeen Yusuf, received his staff of office as the new Elemona of Ilemona. The event was conducted in secret on Saturday, with journalists barred from coverage.
Despite the lack of media presence, community members dressed in ceremonial Ankara uniforms attended the ceremony held at the government house premises.
The newly appointed monarch, a top military officer, was unavailable for interviews, and journalists were instructed to leave, being informed that the ceremony was not intended for media coverage.
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According to sources, Lt. Col. Yusuf has been instrumental in facilitating significant infrastructure development in Ilemona, Oyun local government area, and has secured prestigious jobs for locals since being chosen as the new monarch.
The kingmakers selected him to succeed his late father, Oba Yusuf Omokanye Oyekanmi, who passed away at the age of 95 in May. The Kwara State government later ratified this selection.
Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, Kwara State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, confirmed Yusuf’s acceptance of his new role. “Yes, it is true. He (Yusuf) will receive the staff of the office any moment from now on,” the commissioner said.
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A former member of the state House of Assembly from Oyun, who preferred to remain anonymous, also confirmed the appointment. The former lawmaker mentioned that the newly installed monarch will appoint a regent to hold the throne until his retirement from military service.
“Being a security expert and well-educated, he is expected to use all available resources to advance the cause of his people,” he stated.
Reliable sources indicate that the appointment of a placeholder is designed to benefit the community by allowing Lt. Col. Yusuf to continue his duties as the president’s ADC while also serving as the monarch.
This arrangement will remain in place until his retirement from the military, ensuring his contributions to both national service and local governance.