The Alara-in-Council and the entire people of Aramoko-Ekiti have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, to intervene and plead with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to allow the kingmakers conclude the selection of a new Alara.
In a press statement issued, the Council said the vacant stool of Alara was affecting Yoruba culture and traditions in the town.
The Council stated that as a town founded by descendants of Oduduwa, Aramoko-Ekiti shares an unbroken cultural and spiritual bond with Ile-Ife, adding that its customs, crown and chieftaincy rites all emanate from Ife.
It described the stool of Alara as not just a local throne, but part of the wider fabric of Yoruba culture and tradition which the Ooni superintends.
According to the statement, the process to select a new Alara commenced in April 2026 in strict compliance with the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.
It said after screening, three candidates were shortlisted through Ifa divination, and voting by the 12 kingmakers ended in a tie of 6-6, prompting a second round of voting in line with due process.
However, the Council lamented that six months later, the process remains suspended after the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs postponed it, while letters written to the government had not received any response.
The Council said it was constrained to appeal to the Ooni as father and custodian of Yoruba culture, noting that the stool of Alara remains vacant, youths are restive, and traditional festivals and rites cannot hold.
It therefore appealed to the Ooni to use his revered office to appeal to Governor Oyebanji to grant permission for the kingmakers to reconvene immediately and complete the selection.
The Council expressed confidence that with the Ooni’s fatherly intervention, the matter would be resolved peacefully and the ancient bond between Aramoko and Ife would continue to be protected and strengthened.
It added that it has faith in the Ooni’s wisdom and in Governor Oyebanji’s respect for law and tradition.
The statement was signed on behalf of the Alara-in-Council by Chief Asao, Head of Kingmakers, and Chief Sajowa, Secretary.
