Interview and screening of the shortlisted 86 aspirants for the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo will begin today.
A peace meeting organised for the aspirants was successfully held at the weekend, at Agbala Ogun Hall in the palace.
It was facilitated by the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi) and assisted by the Atiba Local Government.
The Nation gathered that the meeting was well attended by contestants, young and old, from Agunloye Royal Ruling House.
Sources privy to the peace meeting said it was more of a reunion and an avenue for aspirants from the same family to brainstorm and interact.
It was also learnt that the aspirants agreed on the need to put the interest of the ancient town ahead of personal interest, with the aspirants stressing the need for modernisation and development of the town.
The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, confirmed the development to The Nation yesterday.
He said members of the Agunloye Ruling House comported themselves as one, strong and united family.
It was gathered that the Chairperson of Atiba Local Government, Alhaja Kafilat Olakojo and the Director of Administration, Mr. Ayoola, were at the meeting as observers.
The Nation reports that the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Chief Mukaila Afonja, last Wednesday submitted the names of 86 contestants jostling for the vacant stool of the Alaafin to the Regent.
According to plans, from today till Thursday, 10 contestants will appear for interview on a daily basis before the next steps are announced on the selection process for the next Alaafin.
There will be a break on Friday, as no interview will hold, to pave the way for the Jumat service, while the interview will resume on September 12 and last till September 15.
The Regent and Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Ayoola Layinka, at the meeting appealed to the aspirants to be peaceful and united in their ambition, saying that was a prerequisite for moving Oyo town forward.
The Mogaji (Head) of Agunloye Royal Family, Prince Samuel Adeladan, said the ruling house would not tolerate delay and prolongation in the selection of a candidate for the Alaafin stool.
He enjoined the aspirants to close ranks and allow love and unity to be their focus.