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The controversy surrounding the selection process of candidates for the vacant stool of Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti State has been cleared by some princes of the Olokun Ruling House on behalf of concerned stakeholders and indigenes of the kingdom.
In a rejoinder jointly signed by Prince Adeolu Adediran, Prince Adeniyi Samuel, and Prince Olusola Adeniyi, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Independent on Wednesday, the stakeholders debunked an allegation by some persons that the selection process of the candidate for the Alara stool was riddled with manipulations.
Bamidele Sunday, Ajibade Joseph, Bosede Ademola, and Olabunmi Adeagbo had jointly petitioned the state Deputy Governor, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the permanent secretary of the ministry, alleging that the selection done was manipulated, thereby calling for a fresh selection process.
In a rejoinder entitled: “Alara Of Aramoko Stool Selection: Process Was Credible, Transparent and in line with Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration,” Prince Adeolu Adediran, Prince Adeniyi Samuel, and Prince Olusola Adeniyi described the claims of the petitioners as falsehoods, misrepresentations, and malicious allegations.
Referring to a publication by a national daily(not Daily Independent), on June 2, 2026, with the title: “Restart ongoing Selection Process of Alara Stool, Stakeholders Appeal to Ekiti Govt,” the trio described the demand as the handiwork of some disgruntled persons.
The rejoinder reads in parts: “We consider it necessary to set the records straight and correct the falsehoods, misrepresentations, and malicious allegations contained therein, which are the handiwork of disgruntled individuals seeking to hijack a peaceful and lawful process.
“The selection process for the Alara of Aramoko Stool was conducted in strict conformity with the registered Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration. All due procedures were followed.
“All relevant government officials were present and supervised the exercise. They include: Hon. Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Ekiti State, Hon. Atibioke, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy & Home Affairs, Director, Chieftaincy Affairs, Secretary, Ekiti West Local Government Traditional Council, Mr. Aje Babakayode, Chief Imam of Aramoko, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Aramoko, Aramoko Development Association Executive, Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture & Tourism, Prof. Rasaq Bakare, Executive Chairman, Ekiti West Local Government, Elder Moses Omojola, Secretary to Ekiti West LGA, Chief Muyiwa Odebunmi, and Prominent Aramoko Elites.”
On the Ifa consultation & video evidence, the rejoinder reads further, “Baba Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon and his team were invited by the Kingmakers and not by any contestant. Prince Sheu Femi Akinlabi had no role in inviting the Araba.
“The entire divination was conducted openly in the presence of all stakeholders, observers, and government officials.
“The process was recorded on video, and the footage is available to refute any claim of secrecy or manipulation. All contestants were told to bring an Ifa diviner and not just one aspirant.
“Every qualified prince from the Olokun Ruling House was given equal opportunity. The “weeding/qualification” stage is standard in all Chieftaincy selections to ensure only eligible candidates proceed. No one was unjustly excluded.
“The Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon is a renowned Ifa Priest and internationally respected for integrity and impartiality. He conducted the Ifa consultation without bias or favour. Any allegation of manipulation is baseless and an insult to the sacred oracle.”
The authors of the rejoinder exonerated Chief Adebayo Oyewole, the Ogboni of Aramoko-Ekiti, who said he was misquoted and misrepresented in the interview in the statements attributed to him in the said publication.
According to the rejoinder, Chief Oyedele affirmed that he confirmed to the caller that “There were no irregularities in the selection process.”
He was said to have lamented that the publication is “a dent on his personality as a result of this total fabrication & misrepresentation of his personality and office in Aramoko Ekiti.”
The author of the rejoinder, therefore, alleged that “This is the work of a desperate aspirant and fifth columnists who imported unknown persons with no stake in Aramoko to create division and tension.
“The Alara stool is not anyone’s personal property but a sacred and revered stool in Yorubaland.”
They, therefore, appealed to the state government to discountenance the contents of the petition, saying, “The good people of Aramoko-Ekiti are peaceful and law-abiding.
“We call on the Ekiti State Government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji to disregard these faceless miscreants and conclude the selection process promptly so that Aramoko can have a king.”
