Group urges Ekiti govt not to alter Alara selection process

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Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State.

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Warns against interference, says any deviation could trigger litigation

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By Dayo Johnson Akure

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The Oduduwa Citizen Liberation Vanguard (OCLV) has urged the Ekiti State Government to allow the selection process for the new Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti to proceed in accordance with the state’s Chieftaincy Declaration.

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In a statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Korede Olanipekun, and Secretary, Abiola Kupolati, the group warned that any attempt to alter the existing process or amend the Chieftaincy Declaration through executive action could lead to legal disputes and tension in the community.

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OCLV appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to ensure that the selection is concluded in line with the gazetted declaration by allowing the Kingmakers to perform their statutory role without interference.

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According to the group, the selection process involved eight contestants from the Olokun Ruling House and was conducted under government supervision.

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It said the exercise included Ifa divination, which produced three finalists—Prince Tope Ademiluyi, Prince Oluwafemi Akinlabi and Prince Adewumi Adetoyinbo.

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The group stated that the 12 recognised Kingmakers subsequently voted, with Prince Oluwafemi Akinlabi and Prince Tope Ademiluyi polling six votes each, while Prince Adewumi Adetoyinbo received no vote.

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OCLV said the process, from screening to the voting stage, was supervised by officials of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, including the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary.

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The group alleged that there were moves to introduce another round of Ifa consultation outside the existing process, describing such a step as inconsistent with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Declaration.

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It argued that any attempt to depart from the established procedure could expose the selection process to legal challenge.

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Referring to previous succession exercises in Aramoko-Ekiti, the group said a tie among contestants had been resolved through a fresh vote by the Kingmakers, adding that such a procedure would be consistent with established practice if required.

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OCLV maintained that the role of the Kingmakers is protected under the gazetted Chieftaincy Declaration and should not be overridden by any individual or authority.

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The group also dismissed allegations that Kingmakers had been induced by contestants, saying it had no evidence to support such claims, and called for any allegations to be properly investigated.

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It stressed that its position was not in support of any contestant but in defence of due process, the rule of law and the integrity of the traditional institution.

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The group urged Governor Oyebanji to ensure that the selection process is concluded in accordance with the law and without political interference.

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