Adebayo Adenrele
The Ekiti State Government, on Monday, resolved the imbroglio brewing over the selection of a new Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State among contending forces and interested parties.
The town has been enveloped in turmoil over the emergence of Prince Adebomi Babalola as Alararomi- elect, with some contenders and interested stakeholders raising eyebrows over the process through which the selection was undertaken.
At a trouble- shooting parley, held in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented his the Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye clarified that the government has no preferred candidate, but only accepted the selection and nomination made by the concerned ruling House and kingmakers after Ifa consultation.
Afuye maintained that blackmailing the government and accusing it of nepotism in the matter was grossly misplaced, saying the government of Biodun Oyebanji was incurably committed to equity, fairness and transparency in chieftaincy matters across all towns in the state.
The Deputy Governor assured the Araromi indigenes, contenders for the coveted stool and other critical stakeholders to hold the firm belief that the government will do what is just and right to all parties, as well as operate stringently in line with Alararomi Chieftaincy Declaration.
Afuye urged the contenders to perceive the selection process as no victor, no vanquished contest, but as one done to promote unity and oneness among Araromi Ekiti and its people.
The Deputy Governor appealed to those who were making caustic and inflammatory comments on the matter to desist, to give room for the already tensed atmosphere in the community subsides.
The video capturing the Ifa consultation during the selection process was shown to stakeholders to further substantiate the level of transparency that was upheld.
Dignitaries at the parley were : Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Chairman, Ijero Local Government, Hon Abayomi Folowosele, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Abayomi Opeyemi, his counterpart in the Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mrs Olabisi Akindele.
Traditional rulers at the event included: the Paramount ruler and Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, who led other traditional rulers like: the Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Ayodeji Adesoye, the Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adedara, and the Regent of Araromi Ekiti, Princess Funmilayo Adesina.