Crisis deepens over Okeigbo Oluoke stool as Aiyedatiwa upholds court order
The crisis surrounding the Okeigbo traditional stool has intensified, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reaffirming his commitment to following court orders, which declare the Aare Kugbayigbe ruling house as the rightful heir to produce the next Oluoke of Okeigbo.
The royal stool has been vacant since the death of Oba Lawrence Oluwole Babajide, the Bamigbala I, in May 2023.
However, the Oluoke Chiefs-In-Council and Kingmakers have urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure that the rule of law prevails, warning that any deviation could lead to anarchy in the kingdom.
In a press briefing in Okeigbo, Chief Dele Odunwole, the Ojomu Okeigbo, revealed that a stay of execution had been filed against the lower court’s ruling.
He also argued that the Kuole Oloje Ruling House should be the one to provide the next candidate for the vacant Oluoke stool, in accordance with the Oluoke Chieftaincy Declaration and the Adeloye Chieftaincy Commission’s report.
He appealed to Aiyedatiwa to allow the case in the Appeal Court to be determined before embarking on any other action about the vacant stool.
“We, the Chiefs-In-Council, especially the kingmakers, are people of integrity and law-abiding citizens who would not do anything that could let the community and Ondo State at large down.
“We plead with all our sons and daughters of Okeigbo, within and outside, to please maintain peace at this trial time. All the problems of today will soon be over.”
Also, Elder Ebenezer Oniwiede, said the community does not want trouble but peace.
“It is the turn of Kuole Oloje to produce the king for Okeigbo. Others have had her turn and should step aside in accordance with tradition. In the history of Okeigbo land, two Obas from the same ruling house have never been buried in the palace. This must not change now.”
Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the state government does not interfere in the selection process of any Oba.
Takuro said the state government would obey the orders of the court.
He said the Okeigbo Royal stool was a First Class title that should not be left vacant.
