The Ekiti State Government, has warned traditional chiefs against bribery and compromise, as process for the selection of a new Elemure of Emure Ekiti kicks off, following approval granted by Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, handed down the warning on Thursday, while interacting with stakeholders from the town on the installation of a new Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Emure Local Government Area of the State.
The respectable stool, which is among Pelupelu, the highest rated in the chieftaincy hierarchy in Ekiti State, became vacant, sequel to the demise of Oba Emmanuel Adebayo on May 30, 2024.
The town has two Ruling Houses: Abenibota and Adumori, with the last monarch emerging from the latter, while it is the turn of the former to produce the candidate that will fill the coveted royal seat.
In her submission, the Deputy Governor, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, charged members of Abenimota Royal Dynasty and kingmakers to handle the volatile matter with utmost honesty and dignity, to avert unwarranted crisis.
The Deputy Governor, lamented that she was being inundated with calls about disagreement in the town over the selection, which she said had the capability of polarising the town into factions.
The Ekiti’s number two citizen directed that there must be stringent compliance with the tradition, customs and practices of the town in selecting a new Elemure.
Mrs Afuye assured that the government won’t be neither meddle nor tolerate bribery from anybody, saying the town must consult with Ifa oracle and pick the best out of the 12 contestants jostling for the position.
“Let us do things in the traditional way. Consult Ifa Oracle and I know only one person will be picked, not two. Don’t allow anyone to use money or political will to influence anything. It is in your own interest, because your town will move forward if you are honest.
“13 kingmakers are eligible to do the work. Make sure you are diligent. Don’t compromise. Don’t yield to money influence. God almighty shall stand by you as you do the job”, she said.
Speaking at the parley, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Olaiya Atibioke, clearly stated that all eligible princes from Abenimota Ruling House should be accorded the right to participate in the selection.
Atibioke, however, charged that the royal family and kingmakers must screen the contestants thoroughly, with procedures duly documented to guide the town and government in taking the apposite actions on the matter.
Speaking for the kingmakers, the Olisa of Emure Ekiti and second in command to Elemure, Chief Toyin Ojo, said the number of kingmakers in the town are 25, but revealed that 13 members are still alive , with 12 seats already declared vacant.
On the condition that a warrant Chief might be required to give the required quorum, Chief Ojo, said: “If the 13 Chiefs can convene, there is no reason for us to use any warrant Chief. If we can be diligent, the process will be free and fair.
“I am assuring you on behalf of the kingmakers that we will be fair to all the contestants and the best will emerge”, he stated.
The Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Tosin Adedayo, appealed to the town to embrace civility in the process, saying some towns in Ekiti operated regency for decades due internal strife, advising that such should be prevented in this case.