Traditional kingmakers in Alade-Idanre in Idanre local government area of Ondo State have said they have not chosen anybody as the king of the ancient town to replace the late Oba Olusegun Akinbola who died three years ago.
The kingmakers who described anybody parading himself as the monarch of the town as an impostor noted that such action is against the tradition and custom of the ancient town.
The traditional kingmakers led by the Regent and Lisa of Alade-Idanre, Chief Oladipo Akinsowon said they are to begin the selection process to choose the new Aladeokun of Alade, saying the town has been without a monarch since Oba Akinbola joined his ancestors.
Disowning a selection process that violates the tradition and customs of the community, Akinsowon emphasized that nobody can become the Oba without the consent of the kingmakers.
Addressing journalists after he met with traditional kingmakers, chiefs, and youth of the community, Akinwon who is also the Prime Minister of the town said they would soon begin the selection process of having a new king in line with the tradition of the town as a High Court has invalidated the earlier method of choosing an Oba.
He said, “Presently, we have no king in Alade but we have a regent. As regent, I have been on the throne for the past three years taking control of the community, and holding meetings with my chiefs because presently, the regent is the acting Oba.
“If anybody is parading himself as an Oba, he is never an Oba. I think he is arrogating power that does not belong to him. Nobody can become the Oba without the consent of the kingmakers and we have not chosen anybody as the king.
“The latest judgment has referred us to our traditional way of installing an Oba. Since both papers sent to the court have not been recognized and to avoid a vacuum, we have liaised with the elderly people in the community and discussed 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 is on the throne. There are traditional ways they are used without relying on any recommendation. We will consult all those people, the elders and they will guide us on the way forward.’’
