The Bilaro Olu-Odo ruling house of Ilesa on Tuesday urged the Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to refrain from interfering in the selection process for the Owa Obokun stool to avoid potential crises in the town.
The ruling house also appealed to political appointees of Ijesa origin not to mislead the governor during the process of selecting a new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Gbenga Tosho Haastrup, in Osogbo, the ruling house emphasized that it is now its turn to present candidates for the throne.
Haastrup urged the kingmakers to adhere to established procedures and ensure fair treatment of all contenders vying for the position.
He stated, “It is imperative to address rumors suggesting that the state government has already chosen a candidate for the stool. We trust this is merely speculation without any basis in truth.”
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The ruling house expressed confidence in Governor Adeleke, saying, “We believe His Excellency will encourage and direct the Ijesa kingmakers to rely on the guidance of the Ifa Oracle in selecting the next Owa.”
Highlighting the separation of politics and tradition, the statement added, “There are clear distinctions between partisan politics and traditional institutions.
“We appeal to our political leaders, particularly the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs—a seasoned lawyer with over three decades of experience—to allow traditionalists to perform their roles without interference.”
“Ijesaland is rich in culture and tradition. The Owa stool must not be leveraged for political gain,” the ruling house warned.
It also called on the kingmakers to remain impartial, stating, “It is unacceptable for kingmakers to favor or anoint candidates. They must act with fairness and justice, regardless of the financial standing of the princes involved.”
The statement concluded by appealing to Governor Adeleke: “We urge our listening governor, the Asiwaju of Edeland, Senator Jackson Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, to uphold impartiality in the selection and confirmation process for the next Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland. Our traditions must be respected, as Ijesaland is an ancient kingdom founded on the principles of the Ifa Oracle.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE