Adeleke promises fairness in Owa-Obokun selection

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured that the selection of the next Owa Obokun of Ijesaland will be conducted fairly, responding to concerns raised by the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House in Ilesa regarding the process.

On Tuesday, the ruling house cautioned against the imposition of a pre-selected candidate and urged political appointees from Ijesaland in the current administration to refrain from misleading the governor during the selection process.

The ruling house emphasised the need for adherence to the established procedure for selecting the Owa Obokun and called for equal opportunity for all aspiring princes to contest the stool.

In a statement signed by the Integrity Caucus’ Secretary, Gbenga Haastrup, the ruling house appealed to the governor not to allow partisan politics to influence the process.

 “Ijesaland is an ancient kingdom founded by an Odu Ifa, which has since been guided by the Ifa Oracle. We are hereby appealing to our listening Governor, His Excellency, Senator Jackson Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, not to be partisan in the selection process and confirmation of the next Owa Obokun,” the statement read.

The ruling house also expressed concern over rumours that the state government had already chosen a candidate, urging the governor to ensure that the Ifa Oracle guides the selection process.

“We want to believe these rumours are without truth. We trust His Excellency will encourage the Ijesa Kingmakers to allow the Ifa Oracle to lead the selection of the next Owa,” they added.

The statement highlighted the importance of keeping traditional institutions separate from political interference, calling on political leaders, particularly the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to respect the roles of traditional leaders in the process.

“The kingmakers must be fair and just to all interested princes, without any bias or preference. It is a taboo for them to favour a particular candidate based on financial strength,” they added.

In response, Osun State’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, pledged that the Adeleke administration would uphold the rule of law in the selection process.

“We are monitoring the situation, but I can assure you that the government won’t do anything against the rule of law. We respect the rule of law and will act accordingly,” he stated.