The Council of Kingmakers in Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, has acknowledged that irregularities occurred during the suspended process to select a new Oloba of Oba-Ile.
The Chairman of the Council of Kingmakers, Chief Oluwatimilehin Gbemisayo, said the traditional body was waiting for fresh instructions from the state government before beginning another selection exercise.
Traditional Stool Became Vacant After Monarch’s Death
The Oloba of Oba-Ile throne became vacant following the death of the former monarch on May 9, 2025.
According to Gbemisayo, traditional mourning rites and official procedures surrounding the monarch’s passing were completed before the Ondo State Government approved the commencement of the search for a successor in June 2026.
Selection Process Suspended After Protests
The kingmakers’ chairman explained that the community’s chieftaincy declaration required the next Oloba to emerge from the Elegbeje-Edo ruling house.
He said the decision was based on the fact that the late monarch came from the Akayedo ruling house.
Five princes from the Elegbeje-Edo family expressed interest and were screened by the council.
The contestants were identified as: Rena Fagoroyo, Busuyi Bayodo, Odunayo Omodara, Gbadebo Adeusi, Kola Omodara
However, the process was suspended after some indigenes raised objections, alleging that proper procedures were not followed.
Stakeholders Questioned Venue and Procedure
Gbemisayo said some residents complained that key stakeholders were excluded from parts of the exercise.
He added that there were concerns because some aspects of the selection process that were expected to take place in Oba-Ile were instead conducted at the Akure North Local Government Secretariat.
Following the complaints, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs summoned the kingmakers.
The council was informed that the process had been cancelled and that a fresh exercise would be organised.
Conflicting Ifa Outcomes Raised Concerns
The kingmakers’ chairman also revealed that the traditional divination process conducted during the selection produced conflicting results.
He said the Ifa Oracle initially identified one candidate as the preferred choice but later produced a different outcome during another exercise held at the local government headquarters.
“I became confused because the same Ifa Oracle chose different candidates at different stages,” he said.
Gbemisayo said the development was reported to the state government, adding that the problem may have resulted from issues within the process or among the participants.
Nomination Fees Refunded
The chairman disclosed that each of the five interested princes paid N5 million for nomination forms.
However, the money was later refunded following a petition and directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
He explained that before the suspension, the six-member Council of Kingmakers had conducted a voting exercise.
According to him: Odunayo Omodara received three votes, Gbadebo Adeusi received two votes, Kola Omodara received one vote.
Kingmakers Promise Transparent Fresh Exercise
Gbemisayo appealed for calm among residents and youths of Oba-Ile, urging them to avoid actions that could create tension within the community.
He assured residents that the next selection process would involve all relevant stakeholders and would be conducted transparently.
“We appeal to our youths and the entire people of Oba-Ile to remain calm. The next selection process will be conducted transparently and witnessed by all concerned stakeholders,” he said.
