In a historic convergence of royal lineage and cultural pride, Obalufon-descended monarchs from across Osun State has established a bloc to foster impeccable lineal heritage to that effect.

The event convened on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the palace of Oba Dr. Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II in Erinmo-Ijesa drew prominent obas, cultural leaders, and dignitaries, signaling a bold step toward unity, ancestral preservation, and shared development.

The royal gathering, pioneered and formalized by the Obalufon Descendant Obas as a unified traditional bloc saw a consensus-driven election that elected Oba Dr. Michael Adeyobiojo Odunayo Adeagbo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa as the Chairman. 

His selection was hailed by the monarchs for his dedication to heritage and culture, reflecting his longstanding influence, leadership capacity, and commitment to cultural preservation within Osun State and beyond.

Other members of the executive elected to pilot the affairs of the formation include Oba Dr. Isola Jokotola, the Olojudo of Ido Osun was elected as Vice Chairman; Oba Dr. Abdulrazak Adegboye, Alawo of Awo as the Secretary; Oba Oladepo Tajudeen, Ologuro of Oguro, Organising Secretary; Oba Bandele Samson Oluwafemi, Owa Akinfin of Ikinfin as Treasurer; Oba Adebisi Mukaila Michael, Oloke-Oloru Obalufon Ikinfin as Public Relations Officer while Prince Odunlade Ademola Olawoyin, Lorimode Obalufon holds the office of Ex-Officio.

Kabiyesi Elerinmo who addressed the executives in the capacity of a Chairman, expressed gratitude to the fellow monarchs for the honour and trust reposed on him to lead. He emphasized the need for sustained unity among Obalufon descendants, noting that the newly formed body would serve as a platform for cultural renaissance, peaceful coexistence, and socio-economic advancement across member communities.

He further highlighted the importance of aligning traditional institutions with modern governance realities, stating that the forum would actively engage in promoting heritage preservation, youth development, conflict resolution, and strategic partnerships that will benefit the people at the grassroots.

He specifically recognized the noble position of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Arole Oodua Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi CON, Ojaja II for his support for the Obalufon Dynasty in particular and the Yoruba race worldwide.

The inauguration ceremony featured traditional rites, goodwill messages, and deliberations centered on the role of traditional rulers in fostering peace and development in contemporary society. Speakers at the event underscored the historical significance of Obalufon lineage in Yoruba civilization and called for renewed commitment to safeguarding its legacy.

Observers and stakeholders described the inauguration as a unifying milestone that will deepen collaboration among royal institutions in Osun State. Many expressed optimism that the Obalufon Descendant Obas, under the leadership of the Elerinmo, will play a pivotal role in strengthening cultural identity, promoting inter-community harmony, and contributing meaningfully to governance and development initiatives.

According to the Ooni of Ife palace record,  OBALUFON Ogbogbodirin was the third Ooni of Ife under the new dispensation of “Ife AKANLUBEBE ” which is the last ife after Oduduwa. 

Obalufon Ogbogbodirin was known to be the longest reigned Ooni. 

According to some historians, he lived about two hundred and fifty years, while some believed he lived for almost four hundred and eighty years. 

He was succeeded by his son, Obalufon Alayemore. 

Ọbàlùfọ̀n Alayemore. Obalufon Alayemore/Onigbomore or Ejigimogun was the fourth and sixth Ooni of Ife. 

He succeeded his father, Ooni Ogbogbodirin.

When Prince Oranmiyan, who was on war, expedition to some northern part of Ife, got the information that Obalufon Ogbogbodirin who was on the throne when he left Ile-Ife had joined his ancestors and that Obalufon Alayemore his son succeeded his, he ran back to Ile-Ife to claim the throne. 

Obalufon Alayemore, after consulting ifa oracle and to avert bloodshed vacated the throne temporarily and left Ile-Ife.

During the period he left Ile-Ife, several cities and settlements were established by him, his children, or his followers.

Obalufon Alayemore, through his vigorous military campaign and diplomacy, placed Ile-Ife in a very enviable position .

He revived the expansionists’ agenda of Ile-Ife by reclaiming all the lost territory and putting his children and loyalists in prime positions.

Obalufon Alayemore is perceived to have the highest number of towns and cities across the southwest and the Republic of Benin. 

Obalufon Alayemore is widely recognised as the patron of good governance and a well established administrative system. 

The selection and installation of notable obas in the southwest is associated with Obalufon Alayemore monachical system. 

Today, Obalufon is recognised as the patron deity of copper arts, brass casting, and textile .

The event concluded on a note of solidarity, with participating monarchs reaffirming their dedication to the ideals of unity, progress, and the enduring legacy of their shared ancestry.