ARAMOKO-EKITI — Natives and stakeholders of Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area have called on Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to approve the conclusion of the selection process for the installation of a new Alara of Aramoko, following the long vacancy of the revered stool.
The stakeholders insisted that the selection process, which involved Ifa consultation and voting by kingmakers, was conducted in a transparent, free and credible manner in line with the customs and traditions of the ancient town.
They noted that representatives of the Ekiti State Government, alongside religious and community leaders, were present throughout the exercise to ensure fairness and due process.
However, the process has recently come under dispute, following a petition reportedly submitted by some princes seeking the restart of the selection process over alleged irregularities. The stakeholders, however, maintained that the petition was later withdrawn and rendered void by the same complainants.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Prince Adeolu Adediran, Adeniyi Samuel and Olusola Adeniyi, said the exercise was carried out in strict compliance with the registered Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration.
“The selection process for the Alara of Aramoko stool was conducted in strict conformity with the Chieftaincy Declaration. All due procedures were followed,” they said.
They explained that the process was duly supervised by government officials, including the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Secretary of Ekiti West Local Government Traditional Council.
Others present, according to them, included religious leaders such as the Chief Imam of Aramoko and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the town, as well as officials of the Aramoko Development Association (ADA), local government authorities, and notable sons and daughters of the community.
The stakeholders further disclosed that the Ifa consultation was conducted by the Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon from Osun State, describing him as a highly respected traditional priest known for integrity and impartiality.
According to them, the entire divination process was carried out openly before stakeholders, observers and government representatives, with video recordings available to verify transparency.
“All qualified princes from the Olokun Ruling House were given equal opportunity. No one was excluded unjustly. The process was open and accountable,” they stated.
They also dismissed allegations of manipulation, insisting that the sacred Ifa oracle was not compromised in any form.
“The Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon is a renowned Ifa priest of international repute. Any allegation of bias is baseless and an insult to the sacred oracle,” they added.
The stakeholders maintained that the Alara stool remains a sacred institution in Yorubaland and should not be subjected to unnecessary controversy or delay.
They therefore urged the Ekiti State Government to disregard what they described as “faceless petitions” and promptly conclude the selection process to allow Aramoko-Ekiti install a new monarch and restore full traditional leadership to the community.
