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ALARA OF ARAMOKO STOOL SELECTION: PROCESS WAS CREDIBLE, TRANSPARENT AND IN LINE WITH CHIEFTAINCY DECLARATION – STAKEHOLDERS
The attention of concerned stakeholders and indigenes of Aramoko-Ekiti has been drawn to a publication in Nigerian Tribune Online dated 2nd June 2026 titled “Restart ongoing Selection Process of Alara Stool, Stakeholders Appeal to Ekiti Govt”.
We consider it necessary to set the records straight and correct the falsehoods, misrepresentations, and malicious allegations contained therein, which are the handiwork of disgruntled individuals seeking to hijack a peaceful and lawful process.
The petition dated April 24th,cited as submitted by three Princes;Adeyemi Oluwadapo Adebowale, Isaac Oladipo Aladeloye Fabolude Qudus Babatunde were withdrawn and voided by same.
Our position:
1. Credible Process: The selection process for the Alara of Aramoko Stool was conducted in strict conformity with the registered Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration. All due procedures were followed.
2. Government Presence: All relevant government officials were present and supervised the exercise. They include:
– Hon. Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Ekiti State, Hon. Atibioke
– Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy & Home Affairs
– Director, Chieftaincy Affairs
– Secretary, Ekiti West Local Government Traditional Council, Mr. Aje Babakayode
– Chief Imam of Aramoko
– Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Aramoko
– Aramoko Development Association Executive
– Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture & Tourism, Prof. Rasaq Bakare
– Executive Chairman, EWLG, Elder Moses Omojola
– Secretary to Ekiti West LGA, Chief Muyiwa Odebunmi.
– Prominent Aramoko Elites
1. Ifa Consultation & Video Evidence: Baba Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon and his team were invited by the Kingmakers and not by any contestant. Prince Sheu Femi Akinlabi had no role in inviting the Araba. The entire divination was conducted openly in the presence of all stakeholders, observers, and government officials. The process was recorded on video and the footage is available to refute any claim of secrecy or manipulation. All contestants were told to bring and Ifa diviner and not just one aspirant.
2. Fairness & Equal Opportunity: Every qualified prince from the Olokun Ruling House was given equal opportunity. The “weeding/qualification” stage is standard in all Chieftaincy selections to ensure only eligible candidates proceed. No one was unjustly excluded.
3. Neutrality of the Araba: The Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon is a renowned Ifa Priest and internationally respected for integrity and impartiality. He conducted the Ifa consultation without bias or favour. Any allegation of manipulation is baseless and an insult to the sacred oracle.
4.Mis- representation of High Chief Ogboni: Chief Adebayo Oyewole, the Ogboni of Aramoko-Ekiti, said he was misquoted in the interview on making the statements attributed to him in the Tribune publication. He affirmed that he confirmed to the caller that “There were no irregularities in the selection process”. To his amazement,he was misquoted and misrepresented which is not only a false statement but also a dent on his personality as a result of this total fabrication & misrepresentation of his personality and office in Aramoko Ekiti.
5. Source of Falsehood: This is the work of a desperate aspirant and fifth columnists who imported unknown persons with no stake in Aramoko to create division and tension. The Alara stool is not anyone’s personal property but a sacred and revered stool in Yorubaland.
6. Community Appeal: The good people of Aramoko-Ekiti are peaceful and law-abiding. We call on the Ekiti State Government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji to disregard these faceless miscreants and conclude the selection process promptly so that Aramoko can have a king.
We urge The Nigerian Tribune to uphold journalistic ethics by verifying facts before publication and to give this rejoinder equal prominence.
Signed for and on behalf of Concerned Stakeholders & Indigenes of Aramoko-Ekiti:
1. Prince Adeolu Adediran
2. Prince Adeniyi Samuel
3. Prince Olusola Adeniyi.
Dates this Tuesday 2nd June, 2026
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