Aramoko‑Ekiti kingmakers have formally requested the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to intervene in the stalled selection of a new Alara, the town’s traditional ruler. Six months after the process was suspended, the Alara stool remains vacant, disrupting cultural institutions, festivals and rites in the community.
The selection process began in April 2026 under the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law. Three princes were shortlisted following an Ifa divination exercise conducted by Baba Araba Elebuibon. Voting by the 12 kingmakers ended in a 6‑6 tie, and a second round was expected to break the deadlock. However, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs postponed the vote, leaving the process suspended.
According to a statement signed by High Chief Julius Oladiran Adebayo, Head of Kingmakers and Asao of Aramoko‑Ekiti, and High Chief Kolade Oyebade, Secretary and Sajowa of Aramoko‑Ekiti, the prolonged vacancy has created uncertainty and left youths restive. The council said traditional festivals and rites could not be performed, and that their letters to the state government had not elicited a response.
In the statement, the kingmakers urged the Ooni, whom they described as a custodian of Yoruba culture, to use his influence to persuade Governor Oyebanji to allow the kingmakers to reconvene and complete the selection. They expressed confidence that the intervention of the Ooni and the cooperation of the state government would lead to a peaceful resolution.
The council also highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Aramoko‑Ekiti and Ile‑Ife, stressing that appointing a new Alara is vital to preserving the town’s customs and traditions. They expressed confidence in the Ooni’s wisdom and in the governor’s respect for law and tradition, hoping the intervention would protect and strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two communities.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
