Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba
Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba has emerged as the Osolo-elect of Isolo, triumphing over 14 other royal contenders. For the British-trained optician, this ascension represents a divine opportunity to serve the community following the recent passing of Oba Kabiru Adelaja Agbabiaka nearly six months ago.
The selection process for the new Osolo was initiated after the previous monarch’s death, transferring the responsibility to the Alagbeji Royal Family to nominate a successor. This transition comes nearly 40 years after the family last produced an Osolo, His Royal Majesty Oba Disu Akanni Olayiwola Faronbi, who passed away on June 30, 1984.
The competition involved the four branches of the Alagbeji Royal Family—Akinlagun, Ejoga Arowooye, Alabe, and Apena—each tasked with submitting eligible princes.
From the Akinlagun branch:
– Prince Abeeb Adeshina Kolawole Faronbi, the first son of the late Oba Disu Akanni Faronbi
– Prince Biodun Shekoni, the last born of Chief Amuda Ejalonibu Faronbi
– Prince Raheem Faronbi, son of the Head of Apakun Osuro Chieftaincy Family
The Ejoga Arowooye branch presented:
– Prince Yahya Abiodun Lawal-Arowooye, the Agbaakin of Isolo Kingdom
– Prince Wasiu Alani Bello-Arowooye, the Isolo Regent
– Prince Adams Akolawole Goloba, a senior public servant with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS)
– Prince Jabita Babajide Dada, an American-based businessman
– Prince Shakirudeen Adeola Sadiq, the Vice Chairman of Isolo LCDA
The Alabe branch included:
– Prince Saheed Ishola Aregbe (SA 400), a businessman
– Hon. Saheed Adekunle Aregbe (SA 100), son of Chief Olushi of Isolo
– Prince Kazeem Omotolani Faronbi (E Don Tey), son of the Owobiyi Chieftaincy Family
– Prince Ganiu Abegunde
The Apena branch featured:
– Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba, son of the former king Yekini Goloba
– Prince Sulaimon Taiwo Apena, son of the late Chief Taiwo Apena.
– Prince Murphy Ajala, son of Alhaja Jarinatu Goloba.
Following an internal screening, the names of the 15 aspirants were forwarded to a 20-man screening committee led by Hon. Hakeem Muniru, a former Member of the House of Representatives. The committee assessed the candidates based on educational background, character, lineage, community involvement, health status, and endorsements.
After two weeks of evaluation, the committee’s report was submitted to the Kingmakers. The four statutory Kingmakers of Isolo conducted further assessments, including consultations with the Ifa Oracle for divine guidance, with eight Ifa priests participating and representatives from each branch present.
During the screening, five candidates were eliminated in the first stage, with three more dropping out in the second stage. The final candidates included Prince Biodun Shekoni, Prince Raheem Faronbi, Prince Yahya Lawal-Arowooye, Prince Shakirudeen Sadiq, Prince Saheed Ishola Aregbe, and Prince Jimmy Yekini-Goloba.
In the final voting, two Kingmakers supported Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba, one favored Prince Biodun Shekoni, and one in favour of Prince Saheed Ishola Aregbe. While the voting result was 2. 1.1.
Despite this, all four Kingmakers unanimously approved Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba as the Osolo-elect.
The Kingmakers involved in the selection process included Chief Mukaila Adesegun Agbabiaka (Jagun Aluko), Chief Rahman Mustapha (Inufele, Afobaje Ogodo), Chief Rasak Onikosi (Osuro), and Chief Saka Omotoba (Omotoba).
Their report will be submitted to the Executive Chairman of Isolo LCDA.
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