RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
Kingmakers and residents of Aramoko Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to intervene in the prolonged selection process for a new Alara of Aramoko Ekiti.
The appeal follows the continued vacancy of the traditional stool after the death of Oba Adegoke Adeyemi in August 2025 at the age of 82.
In a statement issued on Monday, the head of the kingmakers, High Chief Julius Adebayo, and their secretary, High Chief Kolade Oyebade, urged the Ooni to appeal to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to permit the selection exercise to resume.
According to the kingmakers, the process began in April 2026 in accordance with the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and applicable Ekiti State chieftaincy laws.
They explained that three princes were shortlisted following a traditional screening process involving Ifa consultation conducted through Baba Araba Elebuibon.
However, the exercise reportedly reached a deadlock when the 12 kingmakers divided equally, with six votes on each side, preventing the emergence of a successful candidate.
The kingmakers said a second round of voting was required to resolve the stalemate, but alleged that the state government subsequently postponed the exercise.
They maintained that several letters requesting permission to reconvene had received no response.
The prolonged vacancy, according to the statement, has disrupted traditional activities and generated growing concern among residents.
The kingmakers expressed particular concern over the inability to conduct certain festivals and customary rites traditionally associated with the Alara’s office.
They also warned that uncertainty surrounding the succession process was creating tension within the community.
Explaining their decision to approach the Ooni, the kingmakers highlighted Aramoko Ekiti’s historical and cultural relationship with Ile-Ife, which they described as central to Yoruba traditional heritage.
They appealed to Oba Ogunwusi to use his influence and position as a respected traditional ruler to encourage dialogue between the community and the Ekiti State Government.
The kingmakers expressed confidence that his intervention could facilitate a peaceful resolution while preserving established customs and legal procedures.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to completing the selection process in accordance with the relevant chieftaincy declaration.
The statement did not include a response from the Ekiti State Government to the allegations concerning the postponement.
The community’s appeal comes as residents await further action to resolve the succession dispute and restore traditional leadership in Aramoko Ekiti.
