Pressure group opposes Aramoko monarch selection restart, alleges political interference

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Oduduwa Citizen Liberation Vanguard, a pressure group based in South-West Nigeria, has opposed an alleged plan to restart the selection process for a new Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti, urging the Ekiti State Government to complete the exercise in line with the existing chieftaincy law.

The traditional stool became vacant following the death of the Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Adeyemi, in August 2025 at the age of 82.

In a statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Korede Olanipekun, and Secretary, Abiola Kupolati, the group called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to uphold the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Declaration 2024 and allow the selection process already underway to be concluded.

The group warned that any attempt to abandon the ongoing exercise or amend the existing chieftaincy declaration through an executive order could trigger legal action and heighten tension in the community.

According to the group, eight princes from the Olokun Ruling House participated in the selection exercise, which included screening, Ifa consultation and voting by 12 recognised kingmakers under the supervision of government officials.

It said the exercise produced three leading contenders, with Princes Tope Ademiluyi and Oluwafemi Akinlabi polling six votes each, while Prince Adewumi Adetoyinbo failed to secure any vote, resulting in a deadlock.

“The entire exercise, from screening through Ifa divination to voting by the kingmakers, was conducted transparently under the supervision of government officials. The government cannot claim ignorance of the stage the process has reached,” the group stated.

The group, however, alleged that some government officials were planning to initiate another round of Ifa consultation to favour a preferred candidate. It urged the governor to ensure that the selection process was concluded strictly in accordance with the gazetted declaration and without political interference.