Oba Jacob Babatunde Meduteni of Iyara Land Dies at 75

Oba Jacob Babatunde Meduteni, the Eleta Oluyara of Iyara Land in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, has passed away at the age of 75 in his palace after a prolonged illness, the nature of which was not disclosed. His death has caused significant mourning in the community, occurring less than three years after he assumed the traditional stool.

Meduteni was appointed by the Kogi State Government on July 24, 2023, initially as a third-class chief, and was later elevated to second-class status by the Kogi State Executive Council on September 26, 2023. He was formally crowned and presented with his staff of office on December 23, 2023, during a ceremony attended by various dignitaries.

Prior to his ascension as a monarch, Meduteni had a successful career in engineering and corporate administration, serving as CEO of both the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company. After retiring in 2008, he focused on entrepreneurship and community development, leading the Iyara Development Movement for six years.