Kingmakers in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to intervene in the stalled selection of a new Alara, six months after the process was suspended.
The Alara-in-Council urged the traditional ruler to prevail on Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to allow the kingmakers to reconvene and conclude the selection process.
The stool became vacant after voting by the 12 kingmakers ended in a 6-6 tie during the selection exercise, which began in April 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, the council said three princes had been shortlisted through Ifa consultation by Baba Araba Elebuibon after screening. A second round of voting was scheduled to resolve the deadlock but was postponed by the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs.
The council, however, said its subsequent letters to the state government had not received any response.
The statement was signed by the Head of Kingmakers, High Chief Julius Adebayo, the Asao of Aramoko, and the Secretary, High Chief Kolade Oyebade, the Sajowa.
The kingmakers warned that the prolonged vacancy had caused anxiety in the community, with youths becoming restless and traditional festivals and rites unable to hold.
They said they turned to the Ooni because of Aramoko’s historical and cultural ties with Ile-Ife, describing the Alara stool as part of the wider Yoruba traditional heritage under the Ooni’s influence.
“We therefore beg Kabiyesi Onirisa to please use your revered office to appeal to Governor Oyebanji to kindly grant permission for the kingmakers to reconvene immediately and complete the selection,” the statement said.
The council expressed confidence that the Ooni’s intervention would help resolve the dispute peacefully and protect the longstanding cultural relationship between Aramoko and Ile-Ife.
It also said it trusted the governor’s respect for the law and tradition.
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