Residents of Aramoko-Ekiti have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to help resolve the prolonged delay in appointing a successor to the town’s late traditional ruler.
The community wants the Ooni to intervene with Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji so that the kingmakers can complete the process of selecting a new Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti.
The traditional institution has remained without a substantive monarch since the death of Oba Adegoke Adeyemi in August 2025, aged 82.
In a statement released on Monday, the community’s kingmakers said the selection exercise had stalled after their 12 members failed to agree on a preferred candidate from a list of three eligible princes.
The statement was signed by the head of the kingmakers, High Chief Julius Adebayo, and their secretary, High Chief Kolade Oyebade.
The kingmakers explained that the process began in April 2026 under the town’s chieftaincy declaration and Ekiti State’s relevant laws.
Following the screening of candidates, three princes were shortlisted through Ifa divination conducted by Baba Araba Elebuibon. However, the kingmakers split their votes equally, with six supporting one position and six on the other side, making another round of voting necessary.
According to the community, the state government suspended the exercise before the second round could take place. The process has yet to resume, despite efforts to obtain a response from the government.
Explaining why they approached the Ooni, the residents pointed to the historical and cultural relationship between Aramoko-Ekiti and Ile-Ife, which they regard as an important part of the town’s traditional heritage.
The statement read, “We, the Alara-in-Council and the entire people of Aramoko-Ekiti, humbly appeal to Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, to intervene and plead with His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to allow us conclude the selection of our new Alara.
“As a town founded by descendants of Oduduwa, Aramoko-Ekiti shares an unbroken cultural and spiritual bond with Ile-Ife. Our customs, our crown, and our chieftaincy rites all emanate from Ife. For this reason, the stool of Alara is not just a local throne. It is part of the wider fabric of Yoruba culture and tradition that Kabiyesi superintends.
“The process to select a new Alara commenced in April 2026 in strict compliance with the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law. After screening, three princes were shortlisted by Ifa through Baba Araba Elebuibon. Voting by the 12 Kingmakers ended in a six-six tie. In line with due process, a second round of voting was to be conducted.”
The community said the continued delay was affecting traditional activities and raising concerns among residents, particularly young people.
They also lamented that their attempts to secure the government’s approval to continue the exercise had not yielded a response.
In a further appeal to the Ooni, the kingmakers said, “Our letters to government have not received a response. Kabiyesi, we are constrained to run to you as our father and the custodian of Yoruba culture. The stool of Alara remains vacant. Our youths are restive. Our traditional festivals and rites cannot hold.
“We therefore beg Kabiyesi Onirisa to please use your revered office to appeal to Governor Oyebanji to kindly grant permission for the Kingmakers to reconvene immediately and complete the selection.”
The kingmakers expressed hope that the Ooni’s involvement would encourage a peaceful settlement and enable the community to move forward with the selection process.
They concluded, “We have faith in Kabiyesi’s wisdom and in Governor Oyebanji’s respect for law and tradition.”
The appeal comes as residents continue to await the appointment of a new Alara following the suspension of the selection exercise.
