The Alara-in-Council and the people of Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, to intervene in the ongoing process for the selection of 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 people of Aramoko urged the Ooni to plead with the 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 a strong cultural and spiritual relationship with Ile-Ife, stressing that its customs, crown and chieftaincy rites are closely connected to the ancient Yoruba city.
The council explained that the selection process commenced in April 2026 in accordance with the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.
It said three princes were shortlisted through Ifa consultation conducted by Baba Araba Elebuibon, after which the 12 kingmakers voted to select the next Alara.
The statement disclosed that the voting ended in a six-six tie, making a second round of voting necessary to determine the successful candidate.
However, 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 written to the government seeking the resumption of the process had yet to receive a response.
The Alara-in-Council expressed concern that the continued vacancy of the traditional stool was affecting the town’s cultural activities, adding that traditional festivals and rites could not be properly conducted while the throne remained vacant.
The council therefore appealed to the Ooni of Ife to use his position as custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition to intervene and appeal to Governor Oyebanji to grant permission for the kingmakers to reconvene and complete the selection process.
It expressed confidence that the intervention of the Ooni would help resolve the matter peacefully and strengthen the historic relationship between Aramoko-Ekiti and Ile-Ife.
The council also expressed faith in the wisdom of the Ooni and Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for traditional institutions.