Araromi Ekiti Princes Tackle Deputy Governor, Commissioner Over Obaship Tussle 

By Olanrewaju Falayi

Three Princes in Araromi Ekiti Kingdom has expressed the showdown with the Kingmakers as well as the Ekiti State Government over who will be crowned as the next King of the community by petitioning the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and calling for a fresh ifa consultation to resolve and avert further crisis and danger in the town. 

Three out of the four Princes contesting for the Obaship status of Araromi Ekiti Kingdom, in a petition to Governor Oyebanji came hard on the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Honourable Atibioke, warning them to hands off their decision to forcefully imposed an Oba on the people of the Community. 

The Counsel to the three Princes namely Babalola Adeniji, Demola Afolayan and Adediran Fatoye; in person of Barrister Gbenga Bejide, explained that the matter of installation of new Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti is under litigation which would be tantamount to contempt of court, if anybody act on the matter.

According to the petition, the aggrieved Princes alleged that there was manipulation in the selection of Prince Babalola Adebomi by the Ifa priest, hence the call for the cancellation of all the processes and institute a fresh exercise in the interest of justice and equity.

They called on the Governor to mandate  the Secretary of Ijero Local Government to call three different Ifa priests for a fresh consultation for those who have already been screened for the position to know the rightful owner to the Alararomi throne. 

Also, the three Princes pleaded that the ifa priest who conducted the first one should not be part of the new process which they suggested should take place at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs under the chairmanship and supervision of the Deputy Governor and to be assisted by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and the Secretary of Ijero Local Government.

The aggrieved Princes further urged the Governor to allow the contestants to bring one Ifa priest each to serve as agents and observers, saying such would give room for justice. 

The contestants noted that, it would be tantamount to disregard for the rule of law, if the state government go ahead and perform the coronation, noting that such would cause crisis in Araromi Ekiti.

They therefore appreciated Governor Oyebanji’s developmental and giant strides to make the state a point of reference since he assumed office.