Ekiti govt directs Aramoko kingmakers to adopt Ifa consultation for new Alara

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State Government has directed kingmakers in Aramoko Ekiti to adopt Ifa consultation, instead of voting, in selecting the next Alara of Aramoko.

The directive was given by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, during a meeting with kingmakers and other stakeholders from Aramoko Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area. The meeting was convened to resolve the stalemate that followed the selection process.

The deadlock arose after two contenders each secured six votes during an earlier voting exercise conducted by the 12 kingmakers. The tie prompted the state government to intervene and review the process.

Earlier in the selection exercise, three princes from the Olokun Ruling House, Princes Femi Akinlabi, Adewumi Adetoyinbo and Tope Ademiluyi, had emerged through Ifa divination from eight contestants seeking to occupy the throne.

Afuye said the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji would not approve voting in the selection of the monarch. According to her, voting could encourage manipulation, inducement and other irregularities capable of undermining public confidence in the traditional institution.

She said the government would supervise the selection through Ifa divination in a transparent and properly moderated atmosphere. Afuye stressed that there would be no voting after the Ifa consultation, noting that the process has remained the accepted traditional practice over the years.

Meanwhile, the deputy governor dismissed claims that the government had a preferred candidate for the stool. She maintained that no one would be imposed on the community and urged all stakeholders to avoid actions or comments that could heighten tension.

The Alara stool became vacant following the death of Oba Olu Adeyemi of the Arakale Ruling House on Aug. 9, 2025. Afuye assured residents that the state government would ensure a credible, peaceful and tradition-based process for the emergence of a new monarch.