The Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti State, His Royal Majesty, Oba James Adelusi, Aladesuru II, has clocked 67 years on the throne.

Several individuals felicitated with the monarch on Friday. 

“Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch, Oba James Adelusi, Aladesuru II, Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, is 67 years on the throne today. He was crowned on June 26, 1959, aged 26. He’s possibly also the longest-reigning living monarch in the WORLD,” an X user, @toluogunlesi, tweeted.

A Facebook user, Yeye Bolanle Olatunde, who shared an image of the monarch in a praying mood, described him as a father and revered king.

She also felicitated with the king’s wife, Olori Adenike, all indigenes of Igede-Ekiti and wished the monarch longevity on the throne.

“Nigeria’s longest reigning monarch; my father and highly revered Kabiyesi Alayeluwa HRM Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II (Petu Bi Owuro), the Onigede of Igede kingdom in a prayerful mood earlier today as he clocks 67 years on the throne of his forebears,” Ms Olatunde said.

“I felicitate our royal mother HRM Olori Adenike and every son and daughter of Igede Okunsusi. Happy anniversary to us all,” she added.

“67 solid years on the throne and still counting strongly. We wish our revered king, the Onigede of Igede Kingdom, Ekiti State, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, more purposeful reign. Kabiyesi ooo!!!,” another user, Abiola Fatoye, said.

Oba Adelusi, the 27th Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, ascended the throne on June 26, 1959, at 26, following ratification by the then Western regional government.

The monarch, born in 1933 and a descendant of the Okiribiti Adeyibaka Dynasty, succeeded Oba Olubusi Apata, who reigned between 1950 and 1957.

Before his ascension to the throne, the traditional ruler attended Baptist Central School, Igede-Ekiti, trained as a photographer in Iseyin and later worked as a clerk and teacher in Ilora, Oyo State.