The Alara-in-Council and residents of Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti State have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to intervene in the prolonged process of selecting a new traditional ruler for the community.
The appeal was directed at the Ooni to seek his intervention with Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, urging the state government to allow the kingmakers to reconvene and conclude the selection of the next Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti.
The request was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Alara-in-Council and signed by the community’s traditional representatives. They said the continued vacancy of the throne had created uncertainty around the town’s traditional leadership and affected some cultural activities.
According to the council, the selection process began in April 2026 in accordance with the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and the applicable Ekiti State chieftaincy law.
The council explained that eight princes initially expressed interest in the vacant position. Following screening and an Ifa consultation conducted through Baba Araba Elebuibon, three candidates were shortlisted for consideration by the kingmakers.
The 12 kingmakers subsequently voted, but the exercise ended in a six-six tie between candidates, leaving the process inconclusive. A further round of voting was expected to determine the successful candidate.
However, the council said the process had remained suspended after the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs postponed the exercise. It also alleged that letters sent to the government seeking permission to resume the selection had not received a response.
The community appealed to the Ooni to use his influence as a prominent Yoruba traditional ruler to encourage a peaceful resolution. It cited Aramoko-Ekiti’s historical and cultural ties with Ile-Ife, which the community regards as an important centre of Yoruba heritage.
The council said the continued absence of an Alara had affected the conduct of certain traditional festivals and rites that require the presence of the monarch. It also expressed concern about growing frustration among residents as the process remained unresolved.
The dispute has previously generated debate over the appropriate method for completing the selection. Some community stakeholders have maintained that the kingmakers should determine the successful candidate through voting, while state officials have raised the question of whether further Ifa consultation should take place following the deadlock.
The disagreement highlights the importance of applying the relevant chieftaincy declaration, customary procedures and state law in resolving disputes over traditional succession. The final decision must follow the applicable legal framework and the recognised process for selecting the Alara.
The community expressed hope that the Ooni’s intervention would help persuade the state government to permit the kingmakers to complete the process and restore stability to the traditional institution.
As of the latest reports on Monday, October 26, 2026, the selection remained unresolved, and no new Alara had been announced.
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