Owa Idanre stool: Kingmakers justify N10m levy on contestants

 …say fund meant for palace renovation, others

The controversy trailing the selection of the new Owa of Idanre Kingdom  in Ondo State took a new turn on Tuesday as the kingmakers broke silence over the allegations of collecting ₦10 million from each  aspirant vying for the stool.

The Owa of Idanre stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Frederick Aroloye over a year ago.

Seven aspirants from the royal families were shortlisted for the throne, but only five paid the ₦10 million levy, while two were said to have been disqualified for failing to comply.

In a twist, the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) recently launched an investigation following a petition by some concerned citizens of Idanre, alleging that the kingmakers demanded ₦10 million from each of the seven princes vying for the Owa stool.

According to the petitioners, the payment violated the Chieftaincy Law of Ondo State and the age-long traditions guiding the process of selecting a monarch in the ancient cocoa-producing community.

Speaking at a press briefing in Odode-Idanre, the Lisa of Idanre, who also serves as the regent and chairman of the Kingmakers,  Chief Christopher Oluwode Akindolire, confirmed the ₦10 million payment but insisted it was not a bribe.

“We are not shying away from it. It is true we asked each contestant to pay ₦10 million. But we did not force anybody to pay. Only those who paid were alloted,” Akindolire said.

He described the corruption allegations as baseless and mischievous, saying: “Even political aspirants in this country paid as much as ₦100 million to obtain the forms to contest for office. If that could happen, what is wrong if Idanre kingmakers request ₦10 million from those aspiring to become the Owa?

“We are not public servants. This is a traditional matter. The instrument appointing us doesn’t refer us to any ministry. We have the right to conduct the process as we know it,”

Akindolire revealed that the money collected from the aspirants was safely lodged in a bank account under his name as chairman of the committee and not shared among members.

He explained that the funds were earmarked for specific purposes, including palace renovation, traditional rites, mobility logistics, among others.

He said: “We did not take any bribe. To prove this, the money is intact in the bank. Those who care to know my track record know I have never defaulted in such cases.

“The Owa’s palace at Oke-Idanre had been abandoned for over 45 years. We have some traditional homes in a very dilapidated state. The money is meant for renovation and to uphold the dignity of our culture.”

He also drew historical comparisons to justify the financial request, saying: “When the late Owa bought his application form in 1969, he paid ₦500. If you calculate the compound proportion of ₦500 in today’s value, ₦10 million is not exorbitant,” the regent stated.

He stressed that they remained committed to conducting a free, fair and transparent selection process, lamenting that the accusations had unfairly smeared the reputation of respected elders in the community.

Five of the aspirants, Babatope Gbolagunte Aroloye, Ibukun Aroloye, Kayode Aroloye  and Mayowa Aroloye and Prince Adesiji Adeyeye Aroloye, who spoke with newsmen, threw their weight behind the kingmakers, maintaining that the payment was neither outrageous nor imposed under duress.

Speaking in separate interviews, the aspirants described the contribution as a necessary sacrifice for the preservation of Idanre’s heritage and the restoration of the long-neglected Owa palace.

They insisted that no one coerced them into payment, emphasising that any genuine contender for the revered stool should be willing to invest in the dignity and sanctity of the throne they aspire to occupy.

One of them, Mayowa Aroloye, explained that the amount was justified ‘considering the enormous cultural and ceremonial obligations attached to ascending the ancient Owa stool’, while Babatope Gbolagunte Aroloye likened it to ‘a commitment fee that reflects the seriousness of one’s intention to serve the people.

He said: “We beg all sons and daughters of Idanre to align with us. Those making allegations should come out openly to challenge us, not to hide under faceless names. We are ready to defend ourselves.

“It is unfortunate that our names are being dragged in the mud. But by the special grace of God, we are responsible people and we have not done anything wrong,”

Five of the aspirants, Babatope Gbolagunte Aroloye, Ibukun Aroloye, Kayode Aroloye  and Mayowa Aroloye and Prince Adesiji Adeyeye Aroloye, who spoke with newsmen, thrown their weight behind the kingmakers, maintaining that the payment was neither outrageous nor imposed under duress.

Speaking in separate interviews, the aspirants described the contribution as a necessary sacrifice for the preservation of Idanre’s heritage and the restoration of the long-neglected Owa palace.

They insisted that no one coerced them into payment, emphasising that any genuine contender for the revered stool should be willing to invest in the dignity and sanctity of the throne they aspire to occupy.

One of them, Mayowa Aroloye, explained that the amount was justified ‘considering the enormous cultural and ceremonial obligations attached to ascending the ancient Owa stool’, while Babatope Gbolagunte Aroloye likened it to ‘a commitment fee that reflects the seriousness of one’s intention to serve the people.

They collectively argued that no price is too high for the honour of wearing the ancient crown of Idanre, urging critics to look beyond the figures and appreciate the purpose behind the contribution, which, according to them, was aimed at reviving a palace that has long been a symbol of our identity and unity as a people.