One of the hopefuls for the Owa Obokun throne of Ijesaland in Osun State, Prince Olaide Adeniyi Adurodolorun, has said that it is the turn of the Ofokutu family of Bilaro Ruling House to become the next king.
The quest for the throne came up after Oba Adekunle Aromolaran died in September at the age of 86, 42 years after he was installed as the 48th monarch to occupy the position.
Though a three-month period of mourning the late king is expected to lapse before the jostle for the throne, Prince Adurodolorun said that it became important to make this known after reports that another family from the Bilaro Ruling House is claiming to be the right one for the throne ascendancy.
According to the prince, there are four ruling houses in Ijesaland, consisting of Bilaro, Biladun, Bilayi Arere and Bilagbayo.
The late monarch was said to be from Bilayi Arere Ruling House.
Going down the history lane, Prince Adurodolorun said: “Bilaro Ruling House has two families — Ofokutu and Ajimoko. I’m from Ofokutu family.
“Ofokutu happened to be the first king between 1846 and 1858 after Bilaro, the father of the two families, served as the king.
“Ofokutu did some remarkable things like creating the Osu Town and the first Anglican Church in accord with the colonial masters who brought religion to Nigeria then. After him were other kings.
“Later, the Ajimoko family ascended the throne between 1896 and 1901, and later between 1946 and 1951.
“Besides, the family is also on the mother side of the Bilaro Ruling House and not linked with a male.
“Now, the rotation has come to the Bilaro Ruling House, and it is the turn of Ofokutu family because the Ajimoko has served two times, while the Ofokutu has only been on the throne once.”
“We want the people of Ijesaland to know that since Bilaro Ruling House is to produce the next king, it is the turn of Ofokutu family to present the heir apparent.
Commiserating with the Ijesa people on Oba Aromolaran’s demise, Prince Adurodolorun described him as a father who contributed his own quota by maintaining peace among his subjects.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then