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Tag: Kingmakers

  • Kingmakers: we’ve not nominated new Olojudo of Ido-Osun

    Kingmakers: we’ve not nominated new Olojudo of Ido-Osun

    The kingmakers in Ido-Osun in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State have debunked reports that a prince has been nominated for the vacant Olojudo of Ido-Osun stool. 

    The last Olojudo, Oba (Arch.) Aderemi Adedapo, joined his ancestors on May 17, 2024 after 19 years on the throne. He was the secretary of Yoruba Council of Obas in Nigeria until his demise. 

    His burial ceremony in July paved the way for commencement of the contest to fill the vacant stool. 

    Since then, 18 princes have signified interest in mounting the throne of their forefathers. 

    However, there were reports that the kingmakers had nominated one of them for the vacant stool, which is raising a dust in the community. 

    To forestall any breakdown of law and order, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Dosu Babatunde, held a meeting with the kingmakers, aspirants and other stakeholders in the community on Tuesday, warning them against manipulating the process and causing crisis in the town. 

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    Speaking with newsmen after the meeting at Osun State Secretariat, Osogbo, Eesa of Ido-Osun and head of the kingmakers, High Chief Oyewale Basiru Adebayo, denied reports that a new Olojudo has been nominated.

    “We are using this opportunity to tell the residents of Ido-Osun, Osun State and the world at large that we have not nominated any candidate as the Olojudo-designate. Any claim otherwise is a lie, we are yet to meet and nominate anybody to the government. 

    “We have come to this meeting to discuss with the commissioner and other government officials. After we leave here, we are going to organise a meeting to nominate one of the candidates,” he said. 

    High Chief Oyewale said there is no cause for alarm in the town, adding: “To ensure peace in the town, we have visited the police station to have a meeting with the officers. We have held series of meetings with the youths, heads of compounds and ruling houses on the selection of Olojudo-designate.” 

    The 18 candidates jostling for the Olojudo throne are various professionals including 33-year old deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Olayinka Jokotola, who commands a mobile police unit in Oyo State. 

    Other  candidates include a civil servant and cleric, Venerable Idowu Jokotola; United States-based businessman Johnson Jokotola; Abass Adeyeye and Akeeb Oyeyemi. 

    They also include Ismail Alade, Rasheed Adebomi, Adetoyese Oyeyemi , Kamorudeen Adebisi, Oseni Akintunde, Mujeeb Olasupo, Oladele Olasupo and septuagenarian Najimu Oyebamiji. 

    The 1959 Ido-Osun Chieftaincy Declaration rotates the crown between Enukoko and Adenko ruling houses. 

  • Gunshots as kingmakers, traditionalists clash over two ‘Kings’ in Osun community

    Gunshots as kingmakers, traditionalists clash over two ‘Kings’ in Osun community

    Crisis is brewing in Iree community in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State over the emergence of two kings.

    The Nation recalled during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, he appointed Oba Ademola Ponle for the town.

    But Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended Ponle and constituted a committee to review the appointment.

    After one year, Adeleke issued a White Paper and ordered a fresh selection process which produced Prince Muritala Oyelakin from the Oyekun ruling house as the new Aare of Iree.

    It was gathered the rites for Oba-elect commenced on Friday as he visited some places in the town led by some leaders of the community.

    In a video obtained by The Nation, the Oba-elect visited the Odofin’s house(seclusion) and later left for other rites.

    It was alleged that during the rite, the leaders of the community broke into the seclusion house which had been locked after the emergence of Oba Ponle.

    There were several gunshots in the community which raised apprehension during the traditional rites for Oba Oyelakin.

    Reacting to the appointment of the new king, the head of kingmakers, Asalu of Iree, Chief Taiwo Oguntobi told The Nation: “I am the head of the traditionalists in Iree town, I am not part of the process for the selection of the new king appointed by the government.

    “The traditional rites for any king should commence from the deity that I am in charge of but nothing of such. They used cutlasses to break into the house of Odofin(seclusion) today. The family of Odofin were opposed to that.

    “We, the representatives of the community who ought to be there are not present for any rites for the newly appointed king. If they want to make anybody king in Iree, Asanlu, Odofin and Olu-Ode must be present.

    “The Oogboni, Olosun group must be represented, including the six Iwarafara. But with this new king, nothing of such, none of these people were present.

    “The authentic king for Iree town is Oba Ademola Ponle, we all supported him. We have performed all rites for him any other person aside from him is fake. The rite that authenticates king has been given to Oba Ponle, and another one can’t be reproduced unless he dies.”

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    But Oba Oyelakin told newsmen in Iree: “After the government appointed me, I entered the town yesterday, I came with many people into the town. I went round the town to register my presence. I informed the kingmakers. We started the rite at Asalu deity where all traditional chiefs were present including the Iwaramefa. I slept at one of the places of the rite with the chiefs from 10 pm to 10 am.

    “The rites were witnessed by sons and daughters of the Iree community. The President of the Iree Progressive Union was also present. The rite was led by the Odofin of the town.

    ” I visited the Odofin house, but I did not enter, I just step my feet at the entrance three times. There was no crisis in town at all, the residents were happy about my appointment. The gunshots are just part of our tradition. I have plans to bring investors into the town.”

    Contacted, Oba Ponle said: “I am the authentic king of Iree, I have all the instruments of office with me.”

  • Kingmakers reject Deji’s choice for Osolo’s stool

    Residents of Akure Kingdom in Ondo State have rejected the candidate the Deji, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, chose as the Osolo of Isolo, a distinct community in the state capital.

    Isolo has its ruler, as an autonomous ruler.

    It was learnt that about two months ago, Oba Aladelusi allegedly imposed Prince Edward Kolawole Adeewole as the High Chief Osolo of Isolo.

    The decision was said to have contradicted the state government’s directive that traditional rulers across the state should suspended appointment of minor chiefs pending the release of its White Paper on Justice C. E. F. Ajama Commission of Enquiry into Chieftaincy Matters.

    A letter by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ifedayo Abegunde, directed all monarchs in the state to suspend the appointment of minor obas, olus, bales and chiefs.

    The letter reads: “At the State Security Council meeting on April 17, 2017, the state government was informed of the various chieftaincy and communal crisis that erupted in recent times upon the appointment of some minor obas, olus, baales and chiefs by some paramount rulers in the state.

    “Government has considered the development and resolved that all such appointments should be suspended, pending the release of government White Paper on Justice C. E. F. Ajama Commission of Enquiry into chieftaincy matters.

    “All traditional rulers are, therefore, directed to suspend the appointment and removal of minor chiefs, pending the release of the White Paper according.

    “However, Oba Aladelusi went against the state government’s directive by appointing a high chief to occupy the Osolo stool on June 4, an action that has pitched the community against the monarch.”

    The kingmakers in Isolo community, following a council meeting yesterday, warned the Akure monarch to steer clear of Isolo throne.

    Spokesman for the kingmakers and High Chief Olusunla of Isolo, Hezekiah Babatunde, addressed reporters on the outcome of the council meeting.

    Also, Oba Aladetoyinbo has described the action of Isolo chiefs as mere wishful thinking.

    A statement yesterday in Akure by his spokesman Michael Adeyeye said: “It is crystal clear that the Appeal Court had dismissed the judgment of the High Court in 2012.”

  • Kingmakers dispose Ilaje first class monarch

    The Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje local government of Ondo State, Oba Lawrence Omowole has been disposed by kingmakers for alleged abuse of office.
    Omowole was alleged to have removed Oba Beniah Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto and installed a foreigner, one Oyetayo Ofoaye as the new king of the town
    The kingmakers alleged that Ofoaye, hails from Ukohi family who are total strangers and of refugee status in Aboto.
    They recalled that the same Ofoaye with one Omolere Menukuro has challenged the appointment of Oba‎ Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto at Okitipupa High Court in 2007.
    Omowole however  denied the allegation saying the lawmakers were only on a mission to blackmail. 
    However, the decision to remove the first class monarch was taken at a meeting attended by Mahin Obas, Olojas, Baales and youth organization ‎held on February 14, 2017 at Igbokola, the headquarters of Ilaje local government.
    The dispositon letter, which copy was made‎ available to “The Nation” was signed by four out the five kingmakers.
    They also claimed that the copies of the disposition letter has been served on the embattled king, the local government and the state government.
    The kingmakers, who signed the letter were Urayen Ogefun of Mahinland, High Chief Akinyemi Omoyele, Asaron of Mahinland, High Chief Roju Malumi, Jadigba of Mahinland, Olibamayo Aladetan and Yasere of Mahin, High Chief Godwin  Balogun.
    The kingmakers also resolved that the Yasere of Mahin, Balogun, who is the chairman of the council of chiefs should be in charge of the affairs of the kingdom.
    The disposition letter reads “that by our history, no one, not even the Ama‎petu, has the power or authority to concede an inch of Mahinland or allow any stranger to weat a crown within our territory.
    “That after a catalogue of complaints by the Mahin people of different communities of the acts and omission of the present Amapatu of Mahin, particularly with respect to the kingdom teritorial integrity, land use, cieftaincy matters, including the issue of the Alaboto of Aboto and minor chiefs in Igbokoda; the meeting supported the decision of the Mahin Kingmakers passing a vote of no confidence on the Monarch and declaring the seat vacant for the time being.
    “That we are conscious of the special stake of Mahin in the Ilaje project on account of our larger population, overwhelming land mass, ownership of the headquarters of Ilaje accommodating all groups and our strategic geographical location without which others Ilajes have no access to their kingdoms and homes.
    “We shall however, not compromise our inheritance in any manner whatsoever including our kingdom’s territorial integrity, land use, chieftiancy and customs and tradition generally.
    “That we urged the government of Ondo State to accord Oba Idiogbe all his rights and privileges as the Alaboto of Aboto and resist any prompting or temptation from any quarters not even the Amapetu of Mahin to appoint any other person or by any means contemplate appointment of any person not being of Mahin origin or descent as Oba in Aboto or any other part of Mahin land”
    Omowole said some of those people who signed the disposition letter are fake kingmakers.
    He noted that they were only on a mission to blackmail his throne.

    Omowole explained that no kingmaker has the power to remove him ex‎cept his people, adding that his people are strongly behind him.

  • It’s time for an Oba in Ikeja, say kingmakers

    Kingmakers in Ikeja community of Lagos State have renewed their appeal to the state governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, to expedite action on the appointment of a new monarch, the Olu, for the community.

    Their appeal came on the heels of last week’s press statement by the community’s youths, the Orile Ikeja Indigenes Association, in which the body alleged that a cabal was trying to make the governor appoint an Oba for Ikeja without the input of kingmakers.

    The Ikeja kingmakers had since December 2014 forwarded the name of Prince Samsondeen Adeleye as Olu-elect of Ikeja, to the Ikeja Local Council, in expectation of approval from the state government.

    Speaking with our correspondent yesterday  in his Seriki Aro, Ikeja residence, Chief Olufemi Titi-Thomas, Secretary to the Ikeja traditional council and to the Body of Afobajes (kingmakers) of Ikeja, said the kingmakers were pleading with the Lagos State Government “to expedite action towards the emergence of a new Olu of Ikejaland.”

    Titi-Thomas, who is the Asipa of Ikeja, noted that the absence of a traditional ruler in the community for over three years had been generating various disaffections, “whereas we are noted for peace in Ikeja.”

    Complementing him, another kingmaker, Chief Morufu Balogun, the Eletu of Ikejaland, stressed that the government would benefit more with the presence of a traditional ruler in the state’s capital, “as all will look up to him for peace and development.”

    In a letter dated December 20, 2014, five kingmakers led by a former deputy governor of Lagos State, the late Chief Rafiu Jafojo, who was Ajiroba of Ikeja, had forwarded the name of Samsondeen Adeleye to the Ikeja Local Council as the Oba-elect.

    Other members of the kingmakers’ body include, Princess Folashade Illo (Iyalode of Ikejaland); Madam Alaba Adelemo (Iya-Oba of Ikejaland); Balogun and Titi-Thomas.

    The letter was duly acknowledged by the Ikeja local council, dated December 29, 2014.

    Only on Wednesday, however, the Orile Ikeja Indigenes Association warned that any attempt by the government to appoint a traditional ruler for the community without the input of kingmakers will be an open invitation to crisis.

     

  • Orile-Ifo: Ruling House sues kingmakers over stool

    The Shobowale Afijaperi Ruling House and its candidate, Chief Hafeez Dayo Tinuosho,  have sued the council of kingmakers at an Ota High Court, Ogun State.

    Other defendants in the suit are the Ifo Local Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs.

    In the suit before Justice Gboyega Ogunfowora, the claimants, through their lawyer, Akin Akinduro,  are praying for restraining orders against the defendants.

    They are seeking “a declaration that the defendants should be restrained from selecting or nominating candidates to fill the vacant stool of Olorile of Orile-Ifo other than their candidate, Chief Hafeez Dayo Tinuosho”.

    They are also praying the court for an order of “interlocutary injunction restraining the defendants, their agents and privies from from selecting or nominating or appointing or making other candidate to ascend or fill the vacant stool of Olorile of Orile-Ifo other than their candidate, Chief Hafeez Dayo Tinuosho” .

    The claimants, who are alleging that the defendants are trying to unlawfully deny them of their legitimate right, averred that they are the next ruling house to ascend the throne of the Olorile of Orile-Ifo as contained in the chiefs Laws of Ogun State and the official declaration, following the death of the last Baale and the first Oba of the ancient town,  Oba Samuel Oludademu Tinuosho Joshua on June 8, 2014.

    They averred that the Kingmakers in Council wrote the Ifo Local Government for process of selecting a new Oba to fill the vacant stool of Olorile of Orile-Ifo following the death of the Oba Samuel Oludademu Tinuosho Joshua.

    They claimed that due to pressure from the Shobowale Afijaperi Ruling House and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs directing the family and the local government to liaise with each other for purpose of selection of a new Oba,  a family meeting of the Ruling House was held November 20, 2014 for the election and nomination of a candidate to the stool as advised by the local government and as contained in Ogun State Chiefs Law Cap. 20 Section 15 and 16.

    They averred that Chief Hafeez Ekundayo Tinuosho was unanimously approved, nominated and selected by the two families of the Aridegbe Shobowale and Osungbolade Shobowale  that constitute the Shobowale Afijaperi Ruling house.#

    They added that the local government was represented by the former Secretary of the council, Hon. (Mrs.) Kikelomo Delano and two other  career officers.

    While council and the Kingmakers have since then declined to commence the installation process as prescribed by the Chiefs Laws of Ogun State, the claimants said they were surprised to see a public notice from the council dated February 23 directing the ruling house to within 14 days summon another meeting for the purpose of selecting a candidate for the vacant stool.

    The claimants said the two families eligible to present candidate for the stool are the Shobowale Afijaperi from Ogboku compound in Ikereku-Ikija of Egba Oke-Ona section of Egbaland and Tinuosho Sogoroye Abiade ruling house from the Sogoade’s compound in Kemta-Kobiti of Egba Alake section of Egbaland as contained in the official declaration.

    The claimants further averred “Oba shall be selected from the two ruling houses by rotation, following all laid down procedures by Egba Traditional Council,  the Ogun State Government, the Chiefs Law of Ogun State or any other appropriate body so assigned by the Paramount Ruler, the Alake of Egbaland.”

    They averred that Shobowale Afijaperi Onifo did not have a male child but two female children namely Aridegbe and Oshungbolade whom Odetunde and Tinuosho married respectively.

    They therefore  contended  “the people that came from both the lineage of Aridegbe and Osungbolade are those that metamorphosed into Shobowale Afijaperi from which we have: Aridegbe-Odetunde and Osungbolade-Tinuosho.

    They further contended that since the late Oba Samuel Oludademu Tinuosho Joshua hailed from Tinuosho Shogoroye Abiade ruling house, “the claimants are saying that the next ruling house to ascend the throne is Shobowale Afijaperi ruling house”.

    Though, the matter will come up today in court, it was learnt that none of the defendants has filed any response to the action.

  • ‘Seriki Chief can’t stop Adetunji as new Olubadan’

    ‘Seriki Chief can’t stop Adetunji as new Olubadan’

    Following the clamour by the leader of Seriki Line, Chief Adebayo Oyediji to be the next Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council has held a meeting at the palace of Oba Odulana on Thursday insisting that Cheif Saliu Adetunji will be the next Olubadan designate.

    The meeting was attended by Balogun of Ibadland, Chief Saliu Adetunji; the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun; Otun Balogun, Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; Ashipa Olubadan, Chief Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Chief Olufemi Olaifa and Ashipa Balogun, Chief Abimbola Ajibola.

    The Ashipa Balogun, Chief Ajibola, who addressed journalist shortly after the meeting said it is undisputed that Adetunji is the authentic Olubadan-in-waiting.

    He went further to say that:” Any other one is a counterfeit. In this institution, we have lines. There are only two lines recognised so far, both by law and otherwise. They are the Otun Olubadan Line and the Balogun Line. There is no third line.

    “Nobody is competent to say he can be Olubadan. He cannot appoint himself. He cannot put himself there. We are not aware of any judgment that he is claiming because there is no Seriki or whatever. The 1959 Declaration Law says: Seriki, if there are two vacancies in one line, should come there. No other judgment can overrule the law; that is the law. They have no Seriki now.

    He noted that the only recognise Seriki then was Late Adisa Akinloye, adding that since he died long time ago, there is no execution and there is no awareness.

    Chief Ajibola wondered that:”How can they say they want to be Olubadan? Who is going to sign for them? In the succession system, we have two lines – the Otun Line and Balogun Line. All the members of the council will not sign for whoever they (Seriki Line) propose. Who is going to sign for them?.

    “The governor will not even listen to them. Whoever we present to be Olubadan as kingmakers, the governor is going to follow. Are they going to sign for themselves? They are not part of our meeting. We have never had any meeting with them. They have not been promoted.

    “What they should do, they should do it right away in time. They did not ask Olubadan before he was late to promote them. So, who is going to claim? So, there is nobody competent so far to lay claim (from the Seriki Line).

    “Well, we have filled the vacancies. There is no existing vacancy. Where are they going to come in? At the moment, the only person competent to come in would have been Seriki and there is none. This chief, Oyediji, claiming he wants to be Olubadan is only the Osi Seriki. He has not been promoted.

    “He should apply to Olubadan to promote him first, before he starts arguing. He has no locus. He won’t present anything to the governor. The governor knows the right thing. He won’t listen.

    Meanwhile, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Olusola Saanu; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; gospel music artiste, Evan Bola Are; founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Agbara, Prophet Michael Olowere; founder of Christ Life Church Bishop Wale Oke; Iyalode of Ibadanland, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun; and Aboke of Ibadanland, Chief Ifasola Ifamapowa, were among dignitaries that have visited the palace of Olubadan on the demise of Oba Odulana.

  • Kingmakers deny ritual killings in Ikeja

    KINGMAKERS yesterday denied allegations of ritual killings ahead of the installation of the Olu of Ikeja-elect, Alhaji Samsudeen Adeleye.

    The Asipa of Ikeja, Chief Titi Thomas, said the story was concocted to smear the community before the police.

    About a week ago, Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) Panti, Yaba, invited Oba-elect Adeleye and some of his chiefs, over a petition written by one Balogun, alleging ritual killings in Ikeja.

    Thomas, with Yeyeoba of Ikeja Chief Alaba Dalemo and Eletu of Ikeja Chief Adetunde Balogun, among others, described the allegation as a figment of the petitioner’s imagination. Thomas urged those who lost to the Oba-elect to desist from using frivolous petitions to foment trouble, saying: “It is God that appoints kings.

    “This dimension of witch-hunting people is not acceptable at all. Ikeja monarch and kingmakers are leaders who bear the responsibility of preserving lives and properties by working hand-in-hand with government and the security agencies. We are no ritualists, much less human killers.

    “We implore anyone making any allegation to come out and prove it. What the Ikeja community is warming up for now is the coronation of our Oba-elect and we trust that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will soon give his approval,” he said.

    Thomas appealed to the youths to exercise restraint, saying: “As chiefs, we are noble people; we have no skeletons in our cupboards. Whenever the police seek any clarification from us, we are always available.”

  • Ooni stool: How Ogunwusi was picked by kingmakers

    Ooni stool: How Ogunwusi was picked by kingmakers

    We knew he’ll be king, says dad

    Coronation to hold within 21 days

    IFE kingmakers yesterday defended their choice of Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi as Ooni, saying they followed due process in picking him.

    The Laadin of Ife Traditional Council, Chief Adetoye Olatunde Odewole, said there was no rancour during the process.

    He debunked the claims of a ruling house that the process was “faulty and fraudulent”.

    Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin of the Lafogido ruling house had described Ogunwusi’s selection as “faulty and fraudulent”, saying the family would soon come out with its position on the exercise.

    But Odewole told reporters at the outer hall of the Ooni’s palace: “We followed due process by using the 1980 Ife Chieftaincy Declaration to pick a candidate from the Giesi Ruling House, which by that declaration is in line to produce the Ooni  after the passing to glory of Oba Okunade Sijuwade. We also consulted Ifa oracle before all of us.

    The 14 kingmakers unanimously voted for the candidacy of Prince Ogunwusi”.

    Installation rites for the Ooni begin tomorrow in the ancient town.

    Ogunwusi, 40, was named the 51st Ooni early yesterday by the Osun State government following the kingmakers’ recommendation.

    He is expected in the town tomorrow following which he will move to Ilofi, for the start of the 21-day ritual that will terminate in his installation.

    Ogunwusi was billed to arrive today but it was shift till tomorrow in order to put the Ilofi in shape for him, sources said.

    The town erupted in jubilation following news that Prince Ogunwusi had been pciked from among the array of contestants from the Giesi royal family.

    A jubilant crowd, carrying a large portrait of the prince, marched to his father’s residence on NTA Road, Mukoro area of the town, to share in the family’s joy.

    His father, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi, said it was revealed to the family before the birth of the incoming Ooni, that he would become king.

    According to him, Prince Adeyeye’s grand father always referred to him as “Ooni Adeyeye” during his life time.

    He said out of his seven children, Adeyeye had always demonstrated special attributes that stood him out.

    The Ooni’s father said his son would live his for the town, adding that the monarch would work for the peace, unity and progress of the people.

    Former Special Adviser to Osun State governor on Youths, Sport and Special Needs, Biyi Odunlade, an indigene of Ife, told reporters that a new era had dawned in the ancient town with the selection of a youthful monarch.

    Ogunwusi, he said, would be a revolutionary monarch, whose tenure will serve the best interest of everyone, particularly the youth. He urged members of the other ruling houses – Lafogido, Osinkola and Ogboru – to embarce peace and work together for Ife’s progress.

    There was jubilation in Iremo, Moore towards NTA Road, Mukoro area of Ife, where the Ooni’s father lives.

    Security agents were in strategic locations within the town. An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed at Enuwa.

    A family source said last night that relations, friends and well wishers from Ife will meet Ogunwusi at Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and accompany him in a motorcade to the ancient town tomorrow.

    A source close to the kingmakers said the Ife Traditional Council was working with the government to ensure that the people troop out to receive Ogunwusi when he enters the town.

    According to the source, a group of people led by some members of the traditional council will receive the Ooni at Asejire, the boundary between Osun and Oyo states on the Ibadan-Ife expressway.

    Another contingent, led by some other members of the council, will receive him at Ajebandele area of the town along the same road. The place which is about 1,500 metres to the main gate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, symbolises the actual entrance to Ile-Ife.

    From there, the people will move to the palace for an official welcome session.

    It is not clear if the Ooni will be presented with his letter of appointment at the palace tomorrow.

    The source did not also confirm if shops and offices will be closed in honour of the Ooni,  but he said the Ife people and other residents will join traditional chiefs to welcome the Ooni as, according to him, “the entire town is in a joyous mood.”

    Ogunwusi is expected in Ife between 11am and noon and will proceed to his family house before going to Ile Oduduwa about 50 metres from the Ooni’ Palace at Enuwa, where he is expected to stay and undergo some rites.

    At Ile Oduduwa, he will be received by the traditional chiefs and priests for another rounds of rites and rituals expected to last 21 days at Ilofi.

    It was gathered that the conventional 30 days period for the Ooni to stay in Ilofi before he will be eventually crowned has been reduced to 21 days.

    The traditional chiefs and the priests were said to have resolved to reduce the days to 21 because they don’t want the installation of the Ooni to disrupt the Olojo festival billed for the end of next month.

    An aspirant Prince Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, from the Moniki compound of the Giesi Ruling House, has congratulated the Ooni.

    In a message yesterday, he  wished him a memorable and eventful coronation in advance. He praised Governor Rauf Aregbesola for making the  process crisis-free.

    The kingmakers, Ayedun said, should also be praised for their unity of purpose.

    Ile Ife, he noted, is greater than everybody and charged all to unite to uplift the town.

    Adewoyin said the Lafogido ruling house would meet to discuss the development .

    Adewoyin, who was the deputy of former Governor Adebisi Akande, said Lafogido could not fight government since it has accepted the kingmakers’ choice.

    He said it was obvious that the government had gone against the wishes of the generality of the people of Ile-Ife, urging the people to remain calm.

     

  • Ife kingmakers challenge court jurisdiction

    Ife kingmakers challenge court jurisdiction

    A new dimension was yesterday introduced to the legal struggle among the four ruling houses in Ife.

    The kingmakers challenged the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate on the motion to exclude the Osun State government from the suit.

    The Lafogido ruling house sued the kingmakers and the government for excluding three ruling houses from presenting candidate(s) to fill the vacant stool of Ooni of Ife.

    Representing the Lafogido ruling house, Sooko Adegoke Ademiluyi and Prince Marcus Adebola Akimoyero challenged the government and the kingmakers’ authority to pronounce Giesi the only ruling house qualified to present candidates.

    The Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Solomon Omisakin and Lowa of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaduola, among the 16 kingmakers, are major contenders in the matter.

    The plaintiff asked for exclusion of the first defendant, the government, from the suit.

    But when the case came up yesterday, the respondents’ counsel, Wale Afolabi and Peter Ogunleye, told the court that the issue of jurisdiction was fundamental and should be addressed first before considering the notice of discontinuance of the first respondent.

    But the respondents, through Omisakin and Ijaduola, contented that the court lacked merit to hear the original suit.

    They argued that the court should not determine the exclusion of the first respondent or any other motion in the case.

    But Justice Adepele Ojo directed the parties to address the court properly on which  motion should be determined first.

    Ojo, who is the Chief Judge, thereafter, adjourned till Friday.