Aramoko-Ekiti kingmakers appeal to Ooni of Ife over monarch selection deadlock

Kingmakers in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to intervene in a stalled process to select a new Alara. The vacancy follows the death of Oba Adegoke Adeyemi in August 2025.

The selection process, which began in April 2026, reportedly reached a deadlock when the 12 kingmakers split their votes equally, with six votes each for the three shortlisted candidates. Following this tie, the process was suspended by the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs.

In a statement issued by High Chief Julius Adebayo and High Chief Kolade Oyebade, the Alara-in-Council expressed concern that the six-month suspension is affecting traditional activities and causing unrest among local youth. The community is urging Governor Biodun Oyebanji to allow the kingmakers to reconvene and conclude the selection to preserve their cultural heritage.