The kingmakers of Alade-Idanre in the Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State have clarified that none of the candidates vying for the obaship has been selected as the monarch in the agrarian community.
Emphasizing their commitment to adhering to the community’s customs and traditions, the kingmakers are diligently following the process of electing a new monarch.
The traditional throne became vacant following the passing of Oba Olusegun Akinbola in October 2020 at the age of 80.
Chief Oladiipo Akinsowon, the Lisa of Alade-Idanre Community, explained on Tuesday that currently, the community has a regent, who has been on the throne for the past three years, overseeing community affairs.
Akinsowon emphasized that no individual claiming the title of king without the approval of the kingmakers should be recognized as an Oba. He revealed that no one has been chosen by the kingmakers or approved by the court as the monarch of Alade, Idanre.
“Presently, we have no king in Alade but we have a regent. As a regent, I have been on the throne since the past three years taking control of the community, holding meetings with my chiefs because presently, the regent is the acting Oba.
“If anyone is parading himself as a king, he’s never an Oba. I think he is arrogating power that doesn’t belong to him. Nobody can become the Oba without the consent of the kingmakers and we’ve not chosen anybody as the king and no Oba has been approved by the court as the Aladeokun-in-Council of Alade, Idanre,” he said.
Referring to a recent judgment from the Ondo State High Court, Akinsowon stated that the court has directed the kingmakers to adhere to traditional methods in selecting an Oba.
To avoid a leadership vacuum, consultations with elderly community members are underway to seek advice on the next steps.
The Lisa highlighted the community’s historical precedence, citing the example of 25 Obas who ascended to the throne without relying on court judgments or commissions.
“Since both papers sent to the court have not been recognied and to avoid vacuum, we have to liaise with the elderly people in the community, discuss the matter with them for possible advice on further steps.
“We have a part of Idanre that has experienced 25 Obas on the throne and the 26th one is on the throne. There are traditional ways they used without relying on commission recommendation. We will consult all those people, the elders and they will guide us on the way forward.
“We are not considering any ruling house for now because those that were sent to the court were struck out. Like I said, we have some communities that have not relied on court’s judgment or any commission before installing their obas.
“So, this time, we are going purely on the traditional way of installing an Oba,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Adewale Akinrinlola, the Secretary of the Youths Association in Alade-Idanre, expressed the community’s satisfaction with the kingmakers’ resolution to fill the vacant throne. He emphasized the eagerness of the youth for a new king, anticipating positive developments for the community’s progress.
