July 21, 2022

The kingmakers empowered for selecting the traditional ruler in Ifon, Ose Local Government of Ondo State, on Thursday promised that the best contestant for the stool would emerge and not subject to financial inducement.

The Olufon stool has been vacant since Oba Israel Adegoke Adeusi was allegedly killed on Nov. 16, 2020, by gunmen while returning home from Akure.

He was crowned in 1997 and reigned for 23 years.

The kingmakers gave the assurance after their meeting with the leadership of the local government at the council secretariat in Ifon.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chief Joseph Ayaye, the Regent of Ifon, said that the kingmakers were people of integrity that could not sacrifice to satisfy any party in the process for selecting the next traditional ruler of the town.

Ayaye urged the three contestants for the stool and the leadership of Omuogba Ruling House to be fair and truthful in the process.

He said that those submitted by the ruling house would be screened until the best was nominated.

“They are all our children and friends.
“Omuogba Ruling House should not cause chaos but stand on the truth for the selection process to be made rancour-free and peaceful.

“We will choose the best that will bring peace and development to the town.

“It is somebody that the people like that should be king for peace to reign and not otherwise. Let the ruling house submit the names showing interest in the stool and we will do the needful,” he said.

The regent, who is among the 14 kingmakers, explained that he as a person would go on the side of the state government, saying that they would not fight the government.

According to him, all the 14 kingmakers will abide by court’s rule on the nomination.

Similarly, Chief Ayodele Ogunmola, one of the kingmakers, said that they would abide strictly to expected ruling of Akure High Court on Monday.

Ogunmola cautioned the state government not to allow undue interference into selection process of the next traditional ruler.

He noted that Ifon had been a peaceful and quiet town, saying selection of who became traditional ruler should not turn to chaos and violence.

Also, Chief Akindele Adejoyegbewa, another kingmaker, said that the kingmakers would not preempt the court’s verdict, adding that the selection process would commence immediately after court’s ruling.

“The resolution is that we the kingmakers have no problem with any ruling house. But we have been restrained by interlocutory order of High Court in Akure in carrying out any selection process pending the determination of the court.

“We as law-abiding citizens will obey the order and the process will commence immediately after the court’s ruling,” he said.

Another kingmaker, Chief Taiwo Ekundayo, promised that the kingmakers would not compromise norms and tradition of the community, saying that they would not allow financial inducement from any person.

“We are not to be monetised because the truth must hold. Other communities collect money for such a process but we are saying no because we want to do the right thing.

“We have no interest in any ruling house. Whatever the court gives as its verdict, we start from there,” he said.( NAN)