Tension rises in Ondo over Owa stool succession

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Anxiety has gripped Idanre town in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State following the commencement of processes to select a new Owa after the death of Oba Frederick Adegunle Aroloye.

The only recognised ruling house in the community has accused some government officials of plotting to impose a traditional ruler by altering the existing kingmaking structure.

In a petition to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Owa Ruling House, through its counsel, Akinyemi Omoware, warned that any attempt to force an ineligible candidate on the town could trigger unrest.

The petition stated that the Registered Declaration and the White Paper arising from the Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission recognise only one ruling house for the Owa stool and clearly outline the qualifications for eligibility.

According to the ruling house, only sons of previous Owa title holders are qualified to contest the stool, adding that this provision remains valid under existing laws.

The petition further alleged that officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs were backing an unqualified aspirant and working to sideline the recognised kingmakers through the planned appointment of warrant chiefs.

The ruling house insisted that nine of the 12 recognised kingmakers are alive and constitute a valid quorum, making the appointment of warrant chiefs unnecessary and unlawful.

It therefore appealed to the governor to intervene by directing the ministry to strictly comply with the chieftaincy laws and the registered declaration to preserve peace in the historic town.