To expedite the appointment of a new traditional ruler in Osi Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area, the Ekiti State Government has instructed the kingmakers to confirm the selection of Prince Stephen Babatunde Alabi as the official nominee for the Olosi stool.
It was deemed necessary to affirm Alabi’s nomination as he was selected by the Arubiojo Ruling House of Osi Ekiti as the sole candidate for the position and his name was submitted to the kingmakers following tradition.
During a meeting with stakeholders, including the kingmakers and representatives of the Arubiojo Ruling House, the directive was issued by the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.
Following the passing of Oba Oladiran Agunbiade on August 5, 2021, the vacant stool prompted the government to engage the Arubiojo Ruling House to fill the position.
After the meeting at her office, Mrs. Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, gave the kingmakers until May 6, 2024, to draft an appointment letter for the nominee and submit it for government approval.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the alleged manipulation and delays by the kingmakers, the deputy governor cautioned that their actions could undermine the trust of the populace in them.
She specifically criticized the process that led to the submission of Prince Femi Adewumi’s name for approval, even though he was not chosen or nominated by the ruling house.
“The ruling house conducted due diligence in the nomination process. If they have selected one nominee, they should not be compelled to add more. Our government values traditional institutions and the partnership with traditional rulers. We urge other aspirants to cooperate with the nominee for the progress of Osi Ekiti,” she stated.
Addressing the issue, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Sunday Bamise, mentioned that the state government had won all four legal cases related to the Olosi selection matter.
Bamise clarified that the law does not give the kingmakers a role in the nomination process and emphasized that Prince Alabi’s nomination on November 21, 2021, was the only valid one.
He added, “The kingmakers are expected by law to validate Prince Babatunde Alabi’s nomination and issue him an appointment letter. If they do not comply, the government will consider other options.”
Chief Olaiya Faturoti, the Odofin of Osi Ekiti and head of the kingmakers, along with his colleagues, agreed to adhere to the government’s directive.
Chief Tony Adeniyi, SAN, the nominee’s legal counsel, praised the government for upholding the truth and legal principles, ensuring a prompt installation of a new monarch in the town.
Prince Adebayo Alabi, who leads the Arubiojo dynasty, emerged victorious with 26 votes in a traditional poll conducted by the ruling house and overseen by local government officials.