Ekiti Govt mediates on Araromi Obaship tussle, cautions against violence

After a meeting with critical stakeholders, the Ekiti State Government, on Monday, resolved the imbroglio brewing over the selection of a new Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area of the state.

The town has been embroiled in turmoil over the emergence of Prince Adebomi Babalola as Alararomi- elect, with some contenders and interested stakeholders raising eyebrows over the process through which he was selected.

At a trouble- shooting parley held at the office of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the government clarified that it has no preferred candidate, but only accepted the selection and nomination made by the concerned ruling House and kingmakers after Ifa consultation.

Mrs Afuye maintained that blackmailing the government and accusing it of nepotism in the matter was grossly misplaced, noting that Governor Biodun Oyebanji was committed to equity, fairness and transparency in chieftaincy matters across all towns in the state.

The deputy governor assured the Araromi indigenes, contenders for the stool and other critical stakeholders to hold the firm belief that the government will do what is just and right to all parties, as well as operate stringently in line with the Alararomi Chieftaincy Declaration.

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Mrs Afuye urged the contenders to perceive the selection process as a no victor, no vanquished contest, but as one done to promote unity and oneness among Araromi Ekiti and its people.

She appealed to those who were making caustic and inflammatory comments on the matter to desist and give room for the already tensed atmosphere in the community to subside.

The video capturing the Ifa consultation during the selection process was shown to stakeholders to further substantiate the level of transparency that was upheld.

Dignitaries at the parley include Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Chairman, Ijero Local Government, Hon Abayomi Folowosele, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, his counterpart in the Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mrs Olabisi Akindele.

Also, traditional rulers at the event included the Paramount ruler and Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, who led other monarchs including the Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Ayodeji Adesoye, the Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adedara, and the Regent of Araromi Ekiti, Princess Funmilayo Adesina.