On Monday, the Ekiti State Government resolved the crisis 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.
Ekiti News reports that this follows after exhaustive meeting with critical stakeholders of the town held at the office of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye in Ado-Ekiti.
The town has been plunged into turmoil due to the emergence of Prince Adebomi Babalola as the Alararomi-elect. Some contenders and stakeholders have raised concerns over the selection process, casting doubt on its legitimacy.
During the meeting, the government clarified that it holds no bias towards any candidate but has merely endorsed the selection and nomination made by the ruling House and kingmakers following Ifa consultation.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that accusations of government nepotism and blackmailing were unfounded. She reaffirmed the Oyebanji administration’s unwavering commitment to equity, fairness, and transparency in chieftaincy affairs across all towns in the state.
Mrs. Afuye assured the Araromi indigenes, contenders for the esteemed stool, and other key stakeholders that the government would uphold justice and fairness for all parties involved. She pledged adherence to the Alararomi Chieftaincy Declaration and promised stringent operation in line with its provisions.
The Deputy Governor 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.
She 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 present at the meeting included the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke; Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Chairman of Ijero Local Government, Hon. Abayomi Folowosele; Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi; and his counterpart in the Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mrs. Olabisi Akindele.
Among the traditional rulers in attendance were the Paramount ruler and Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, alongside other traditional leaders such as 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.