Tinubu’s ADC becomes monarch in Kwara, plans to appoint placeholder
Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lt. Col. Nurudeen Yusuf, received his staff of office today, Saturday, as the new Elemona of Ilemona.
The ceremony was conducted in secret, with journalists barred from coverage.
Despite the absence of media coverage, community members in ceremonial Ankara uniforms were present at the government house premises.
The top military officer was not available for interviews.
Journalists were instructed to leave, being informed that the ceremony was not intended for media coverage.
Vanguard gathered that Lt. Col. Yusuf has facilitated significant infrastructure development in Ilemona, Oyun local government area, and secured plum jobs for natives since his selection as the new monarch.
The kingmakers chose the senior military officer for the stool previously occupied by his late father, Oba Yusuf Omokanye Oyekanmi, who passed away at the age of 95 in May. The Kwara State government later ratified the selection.
In an interview on Saturday, Kwara State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, confirmed that the president’s ADC has accepted his appointment.
“Yes, it is true. He (Yusuf) will receive the staff of office any moment from now,” the commissioner said.
A former state House of Assembly member from Oyun, who preferred to remain anonymous, also confirmed the issue. The former lawmaker stated that the monarch, after his installation, will appoint a regent to hold the throne pending 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 said.
It is reliably gathered that the appointment of a placeholder is intended to benefit the community by allowing Lt. Col. Yusuf to perform his duties as the president’s ADC while also serving as the monarch until his retirement from the military.
