A shocking wave of grief and outrage has swept through Ondo Town following the assassination of Adesoji Johnson Adeleye, the Chief Executive Officer of Klass Five Hotel, earlier today. The prominent socialite and businessman was found dead in one of the guest rooms of his hotel, located in the Arakale area of Akure, the Ondo State capital, in what authorities are describing as a targeted killing.

According to sources close to the investigation, Adeleye was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday, having been brutally stabbed multiple times by unknown assailants. The attack is believed to have occurred overnight, with the perpetrators gaining access to his room undetected by other occupants of the hotel. A close associate of Adeleye revealed that the two had spent Monday evening together and had made plans to meet again on Tuesday, only for the devastating news to break hours later. “We were together last night. I can’t believe this has happened,” the associate said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade stating, “A middle-aged man was killed in his hotel premises. We have dispatched a team of detectives to the scene, and the case has been transferred to the state headquarters for a thorough investigation.” Ayanlade assured the public that the police are actively pursuing the culprits, vowing that “once apprehended, they will face justice.” The victim’s body has been moved to the morgue at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure.

Adeleye, widely known in Ondo’s social circles, was a fixture in the local hospitality scene, with Klass Five Hotel serving as a popular hub for both residents and visitors. His death has sparked widespread condemnation and raised fresh concerns about security in the state, particularly following the recent murder of another prominent figure, caterer Olakunbi Adene, in Akure.

Residents and business owners in the Arakale area expressed shock and fear, with many calling for swift action to curb the rising tide of violence. “This is not the Ondo we know. Something must be done,” said Tolu Adebayo, a local shopkeeper near the hotel.

Oyo, Nigeria – April 6, 2025
The ancient town of Oyo came alive on Saturday, April 5, 2025, as Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade was officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, marking a significant moment in the storied history of the Yoruba kingdom. The vibrant coronation ceremony, held at Oliveth Baptist High School, drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across Nigeria, celebrating the ascension of the new monarch following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, in April 2022.

The event, steeped in tradition and grandeur, saw the presence of high-profile figures, including President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who played a pivotal role in the proceedings. Governor Makinde formally presented Oba Owoade to the enthusiastic crowd, emphasizing the state’s commitment to upholding due process in the selection of traditional rulers. “On January 10, 2025, I applied my signature to the recommendation of the Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be the new Alaafin of Oyo,” Makinde declared, urging those contesting the decision to embrace the new king as a unifying figure.

Oba Owoade, born 47 years ago to the royal Owoade-Agunloye family, brings a blend of tradition and modernity to the throne. A mechanical engineering graduate with a professional background as a project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Canada, the new Alaafin completed the mandatory 21-day Oro Ipebi traditional rites on March 29, paving the way for his coronation. His journey to the throne was not without challenges, as the selection process faced legal disputes and political tensions, but his crowning has been widely celebrated as a new chapter for Oyo.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and pledged to foster progress and unity. “I promise to always be for you, just as you have always been for me,” he said, calling for the support of the Oyomesi (traditional chiefs) and the broader community to advance the ancient town’s development.

The ceremony was a showcase of Yoruba culture, featuring colorful displays, traditional music, and a parade of a sculpture honoring the new Alaafin. Notable attendees included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; and the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, among others. President Tinubu, through his representative, described the Alaafin stool as “a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires,” urging Oba Owoade to mediate conflicts and promote resilience.

Governor Makinde also highlighted the state government’s efforts to ensure a peaceful event, with heightened security measures and the temporary closure of the Akesan market to allow full participation. He called on the new monarch to champion the growth of Oyo, including promoting the World Sango Festival as a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event.