By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja
The people of Iyara community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State have been thrown into mourning following the death of their traditional ruler, Oba (Engr.) Jacob Babatunde Meduteni, the Eleta Oluyara of Iyara Land.
The monarch, aged 75, reportedly died peacefully in his palace in Iyara after battling an undisclosed illness for a prolonged period.
Oba Meduteni ascended the throne in 2023 after the Kogi State Government appointed him Eleta Oluyara of Iyara Land on July 24, 2023.
He was initially appointed as a third-class chief, but the Kogi State Executive Council upgraded the stool to second-class status on September 26, 2023.
His coronation and presentation of the staff of office took place on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at a ceremony attended by prominent personalities, politicians and traditional rulers.
Before ascending the throne, Oba Meduteni had a distinguished career in engineering and corporate management.
He was an alumnus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the University of Calabar.
His professional career included serving as Manager, Marketing, and Head of Customer Service in Kaduna, before becoming Chief Executive Officer of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and later Chief Executive Officer of Kano Electricity Distribution Company.
He retired from active corporate service in 2008.
Following his retirement, the monarch managed his private businesses, Newday Engineering Company and Nowday Farms, while devoting considerable time to community service.
He also served two terms, spanning six years, as National President of the Iyara Development Movement before his selection as the traditional ruler of the community.
His death has left the people of Iyara mourning the loss of a monarch who combined professional experience with community leadership.
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