Alararomi stool: Contestants demand transparency during selection process

Contestants to the throne of the vacant stool of Alararomi of Araromi-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State have called for a transparent process leading to the selection of a new traditional ruler for the community.

Speaking to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, two of the contestants, Princes Babalola Adeniji and Afolayan Ademola called on the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji to ensure the adherence to laid down procedures in choosing the next Alararomi.

Adeniyi alleged that there are plans to compromise the process by some individuals in government to the advantage of one of the princes from the Odimulele ruling house.

While insisting that he was not desperate to be crowned the next traditional ruler, he added that the people of the community will not accept a biased process in favour of one of them.

He argued that the peace and progress of the community should be the paramount concern of the people in authority, warning that any form of imposition will be resisted.

Adeniji noted that the kingmakers were facing a series of threats and harassment over their stand on a transparent process to fill the vacant stool, adding that the planned appointment of warrant chiefs will not be accepted.

He said: “As you all know, we are princes from the Odimulele ruling house and it is sad that one of us is doing everything possible to claim the throne through the backdoor.

“Let it be on record that we are not desperate to become traditional ruler of our community but we want the normal processes to be followed and we will cooperate with whoever emerges.

“We are calling on the governor, Biodun Oyebanji to step in and save the community from the crisis; let the right thing be done, especially as regards the traditional consultation. We know the governor is not aware of the actions of some government officials in respect to the vacant seat.

“Of course, we have filed a suit in the court for the selection process to start again after the initial one which was faulty.”

On his part, Prince Ademola said the state government should be fair to all contestants.

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