The Alara-in-Council and people of Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to intervene in the stalled process for selecting a new Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti.
The appeal was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Kingmakers, Chief Asao, and the Secretary, Chief Sajowa, on behalf of the Alara-in-Council.
The council urged the Ooni to appeal to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to allow the kingmakers to reconvene and conclude the selection process for the vacant traditional stool.
According to the statement, Aramoko-Ekiti, founded by descendants of Oduduwa, shares longstanding cultural and spiritual ties with Ile-Ife, with its customs, crown and chieftaincy rites closely linked to the ancient Yoruba city.
The council explained that the selection process began in April 2026 in line with the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.
It said three princes were shortlisted following an Ifa consultation conducted by Baba Araba Elebuibon, after which the 12 kingmakers voted to select the next traditional ruler.
However, the voting ended in a six-six tie, necessitating a second round to determine the successful candidate.
The council said the process had remained suspended for about six months following the postponement of the exercise by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs.
It added that several letters sent to the state government requesting the resumption of the process had yet to receive a response.
Expressing concern over the prolonged vacancy, the council said the absence of a traditional ruler was affecting cultural activities in the community, including the proper conduct of traditional festivals and rites.
It therefore called on the Ooni to use his position as a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition to facilitate a peaceful resolution by appealing to Governor Oyebanji to permit the kingmakers to complete the selection process.
The council expressed confidence that the Ooni’s intervention would help resolve the matter peacefully and preserve the historic relationship between Aramoko-Ekiti and Ile-Ife.
It also expressed confidence in the Ooni’s wisdom and Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for traditional institutions.
