The President of the Ijesa-Isu Ekiti Development Collective (IIEDC), Dr. Ibikunle Aderemi, has denied allegations of a crisis in the community over the selection of a new monarch, describing such claims as “untrue and fake”.
In a statement, Dr. Aderemi assured that the selection process for the Obanla of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti Kingdom has been transparent and open, following the agreed-upon procedures and traditional protocols.
Dr. Aderemi clarified that the three ruling houses – Akoko, Omotere, and Omotoye – had agreed to adhere to the 1957 Chieftaincy declaration and adopt a rotational arrangement for the selection of the Obanla, and that this process has been followed without external influence.
He attributed the allegations made by Elder Omoyele Ajobiewe to the fact that his preferred candidate was not favoured by the rotational arrangement, accusing him of attempting to disrupt the process.
The IIEDC President urged the government, kingmakers, and the community to disregard Elder Ajobiewe’s claims, stating that they are an attempt to distract the government and prolong the selection process.
