No court should stop king’s coronation after appointment-Obaleo of Erinmope

The Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba (Dr) Sunday Aniyi, says the chieftaincy laws should be reviewed to prevent courts from stopping the coronation of a king who has been duly appointed by the state government. 

Oba Aniyi who was speaking at his coronation ceremony as the Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti in the ancient town on Saturday, said litigations have been a big hindrance to traditional institution in the state. 

The Erinmope monarch said Ekiti State has been the most rancorous in obaship selection in the South West. 

“There is hardly any Oba that doesn’t get challenged in court, no matter how transparent the selection process might be. A law needs to be promulgated in Ekiti State that will put an end to the act of obtaining frivolous restraining injunction meant to stampede selection process or coronation ceremony.

“Just as nobody can stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting an election or the swearing in of a governor or President, nobody should be able to stop the coronation ceremony of an Oba after being validly appointed by the state government,” he said.

Aniyi also charged the state government to come to his community’s aid through reigniting development programmes like roads, water facility and schools that would propel business activities as witnessed over two decades ago in the town.

The coronation also witnessed the launch of a N400 million fund for the establishment of the Amoyinmade Centre for Women and Youth Development and conferment of honourary chieftaincy title of Yeye Oba of Erinmope Ekiti on the state governor’s wife, Bisi Fayemi.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was in attendance, congratulated the Obaleo for ascending the throne of his forefathers, urging him to galvanise the support of the people towards the community’s socio-economic development.

He also called on well-meaning indigenes of Erinmope to join in its development rather than leaving it for government alone. 

Among dignitaries at the event were Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi and his wife Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Ekiti State Governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji, and the wife of Osun State Governor, Kafayat Oyetola.