Five months after he celebrated his 89th birthday, head of the three royal families of Odo-Nla kingdom, Otunba (Asiwaju) David Afolabi Ekiyoyo (AIWM, DCOI), the Olootu Omooba Meta, of Ikorodu, Lagos State has passed away.
This was disclosed by the Oba elect of Odo Nla kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Prince Alhaji Olusoga Elias Olowolekomoh, in a statement announced the death of the patriarch who he described as a “pillar of the kingdom”.
The late lonarch was described in a message titled “A Tribute to a distinguished son of Odo Nla Kingdom,, Otunba Asiwaju David Afolabi Ekiyoyo, The Olotu Omo’ba Meta of the Royal Family of Odo-Nla Kingdom, Ikorodu Lagos State”,
Prince Olowolekomoh who described the departed Octogenarian as a man of exceptional grace and wisdom, stated:
“I, Oba-Elect Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh, Fuwagbade IV of Odo-Nla Kingdom, on behalf of the royal house and the good people of Odo-Nla Kingdom, Ikorodu, Lagos State, pay this heartfelt tribute to our dearly departed royal son and noble leader — Otunba Asiwaju David Afolabi Ekiyoyo, the Olotu Omo’ba Meta of our royal family.
He further stated, “Otunba Ekiyoyo was a man of exceptional grace, wisdom, and unshakable loyalty to our kingdom and heritage. His life was marked by service, humility, and a profound sense of responsibility toward both family and community.
“As Olotu Omo’ba Meta, he stood as a pillar of unity and royal continuity, representing the values we hold dear.”, he added.
The crown Prince also said, ” His passing on the evening of Friday, August 2, 2025, has left a void that will be deeply felt by the entire royal family, the people of Odo-Nla, and indeed all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“We thank the Almighty for the gift of his life and for the legacy of honor, dignity, and royal distinction that he left behind. May his soul find eternal rest in the presence of our Creator”, he added
In accordance with the royal tradition and customs of Odo Nla people, members of the G6 of Omo’ba Meta Royal Family executive; among who are Prince Adeseye Mobolade Adedipe, Omotolani Ogunsami, Otunba Dr Fatai Olajide Olukoga, Olotu Ogbodo, Rasaki Adebayo Onabajo Odubegu, Olotu Raselu Alhaji Sikiru Banjo Ota and Olotu Uponyenwa Alhaja Tajudeen Sholaru conveyed an emergency meeting and immediately elected Prince Adeseye Adedipe as the new Olotu Omo’ba Meta Royal Family of Odo-Nla.
The information has reportedly been convened to the Awujale Ademuyewo Fidipote family in Idewon quarters Ijebu-Ode Ogun State, Oba elect Olowolekomoh said in a separate statement.
Meanwhile, Oloriebi (head) of Fidipote Royal family, now HRM Imope Kingdom Ijebu-Ode, HRM Oba Tajudeen Omotayo has sent his condolences on behalf of the entire Awujale Ademuyewo Fidipote Royal Family.
Members worldwide while both the immediate and extended families of Ekiyoyo are meeting to plan a befitting burial for the icon.
Before his demise, Ekiyoyo have had the privilege to serve in various capacities, including: Bobajiro of Ikorodu Land, Otunba Olasubomi Yiloro of Agbowa Ikosi Land, Asiwaju of Odo-nla, and Patriarch of Ekiyoyo Royale.
He was also the Olootu Omo-Oba (Meta) Odeyemi Ofiran Ruling House of Odo-Nla, Ikorodu, Lagos State, member, Eminent Persons of Ikorodu Division, and former IKODASS Chairman (2005 – 2009),
He was the cofounder, Ikorodu Division Community Bank, former President, Prestige Social Circle Ikorodu, member, The Exclusives Board of Trustees among other elite positions.
Ekiyoyo in his last media interview believed, at 89, that he was not done yet:, saying, “I am fulfilled, well, not yet, because nobody wants to give up, that is why as God continues to give me life and strength, I will continue to offer myself to the service of God, my family, Odo-Nla people and Nigerians in general.”
He, however, had one wish he longed for to be fulfilled: “I want the king of Odo-Nla, the Oba-elect Prince Olusoga Elias Olowolekomoh to be crowned king in my lifetime and that will happen soon as all the hurdles are being removed one after the other.
“To anybody still standing against the general wishes of Odo-Nla people to have Olowolekomoh as their king, all I say to them is let us all work together in harmony to make Odo-Nla kingdom great again.”
To Odo-Nla people and Nigerians, Ekiyoyo had one message for them: “Let us all work and live together in peace and harmony for the progress of the society.”
However, the new Olotu Omo’ba Meta Royal Family of Odo-Nla, Prince Adeseye Adedipe, has vowed to make the last wishes of Otunba Ekiyoyo as regards the kingship of Odo Nla, come to pass. In his first official statement, Prince Adedipe said:
“Among Otunba David Afolabi Ekiyoyo’s most cherished aspirations was the coronation of Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh as the next Oba of Odo-Nla,” he said even as he voiced this hope with unwavering clarity and conviction, believing deeply that it reflected the collective will of the people of Odo-Nla.
“It is with humility and a profound sense of duty that I accept the role of Olotu Omo’ba Meta. I remain unwavering in my commitment to fulfilling the enduring wish of our late Olotu, Otunba Afolabi Ekiyoyo — to see Prince Olusoga Elias Olowolekomoh rightfully crowned as the Oba of Odo-Nla.
As the final barriers fall, may we unite to complete what destiny has already set in motion.”
Prince Adedipe further called on all members of the royal family, the broader kingdom, and well-meaning Nigerians to join forces:
He said, “Now is the time for reconciliation, unity, and progress. Let us move forward not as factions, but as one united royal family — determined to restore peace, dignity, and greatness to Odo-Nla.
“The future of our kingdom depends on the harmony we create today. As a family, we express our profound gratitude to all who supported the late Olotu during his lifetime.”
Adedipe, further expressed his deep delight and gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from the leadership of the royal family.
He particularly acknowledged the unity and endorsement of the three Olotus of all ruling houses, the family secretary, treasurer of the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family, and Oloriebi of the Fidipote Royal Family, who is now His Royal Majesty of Imope town, Ijebu-Ode.
According to him, “Their collective backing affirms his position and strengthens the royal family’s resolve to bring the long-awaited vision to fruition.
“Together, they stand firmly behind His Royal Majesty-Elect, Prince Olusoga Elias Olowolekomoh (OEA), Fuwagbade IV, in the final stages of securing his rightful clearance and coronation as the King of Odo-Nla Kingdom, Ikorodu.”
Burial plans for Ekiyoyo will be announced by the family.
He was survived by a wife and six children.
Ekiyoyo had celebrated his 89th birthday on March 5, 2025 with an elaborate ceremony at his David Ekiyoyo Crescent home, Ikorodu, Lagos.
