By In Yoruba land, like most patriarchal African societies, kingship is strictly a man’s affair. The King or ruler, by tradition, is expected to be male except in a few occasions — as seen in the case of regency.
A regent is a person appointed to rule a kingdom, usually for a few months, because the monarch is minor, absent or incapacitated.
In this context, the first daughter of the demised monarch, is chosen to ascend the throne for a period of time pending when a new king is appointed. This practice is common in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states.
These female monarchs play the same duties and roles male kings would do, they are often robed in traditional Agbada, Buba and Sokoto and wear round-headed caps, like conventional monarchs.
While on throne, they aren’t allowed to get pregnant or get married if single before ascending the throne.
In commemoration of the International Women’s Day, BlackBox Nigeria has listed three female monarchs in Ondo State.
Olisa of Akure, Regent Adegboro Omotolani Adesewa
Following the demise of Olisa High Chief Olugbenga Williams Amudipe, Adegboro Omotolani was installed as the Regent on 26 June, 2020.
The Olisa is said to be a Senior High Chief who belongs to the IARE group of Chiefs in Akure and considered to be the highest ranking Chief and the second to the Deji of Akure land.
Regent Omotolani served as the Vice President of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication Studies, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
Alaaye of Aaye Ondo, Regent Taiwo Oyebola
Princess Taiwo Oyebola was born into the royal family of HRM Oba J. B Agbona, Orimoro 11, the Alaaye of Aaye, who died on the 4th of May, 2017.
She was in her final year at the Achievers University Owo, Ondo state, when she was called home to become a regent in her father’s land.
Taiwo, being the first daughter of the king, was chosen to ascend the throne for a period of time pending the final decision of the king makers on the appointment of a king.
She was installed as Regent of Aaye town in Ifedore Local Government, Ondo state, on the 24th of March, 2018.
Odopetu of Akure Kingdom, Regent Tejumade Falade
A fashion designer by profession, Falade became the Regent of Odopetu of Akure Kingdom in accordance with traditions of the land. She ascended the throne shortly after her marriage.
