Ekiti Govt Rules Out Voting, Orders Ifa Consultation to Select New Alara of Aramoko Ekiti

The Ekiti State Government has ruled out voting in the selection of a new Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, directing kingmakers to adopt Ifa consultation to produce an acceptable candidate for the vacant first-class traditional stool.

The directive was issued by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, during a meeting with kingmakers and other stakeholders from Aramoko Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area over the ongoing selection process.

According to a statement by the Deputy Governor's Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, the government said voting could encourage bribery and manipulation, which the Biodun Oyebanji administration would not tolerate.

The selection process had earlier produced three shortlisted candidates, Prince Femi Akinlabi, Prince Adewumi Adetoyinbo and Prince Tope Ademiluyi from eight aspirants through Ifa divination.

However, a subsequent vote by the 12 kingmakers ended in a tie, with Prince Tope Ademiluyi and Prince Femi Akinlabi receiving six votes each, prompting the government's intervention.

The Alara stool became vacant following the death of Oba Olu Adeyemi of the Arakale Ruling House on August 9, 2025.

Afuye said the government was committed to ensuring that due process and Yoruba tradition were followed in selecting the new monarch, stressing that Ifa divination remains the accepted traditional method for choosing a king.

She assured stakeholders that the government had no preferred candidate and would not impose anyone on the community.

"The instruction of the governor is that the government will midwife the selection process through Ifa divination under a moderated atmosphere. There is no voting after the Ifa consultation. Someone must surely emerge when Ifa is consulted. That has been the standard practice from time immemorial," she said.

The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atibioke, also dismissed claims that the government had an interest in the outcome, insisting that the responsibility for selecting the new Alara rests with the kingmakers.

He maintained that the Oyebanji administration had consistently conducted traditional ruler selection processes without interference or imposition.

Speaking on behalf of the kingmakers, the Asao of Aramoko Ekiti, Chief Diran Adebayo, commended the government for adhering to the town's traditions and pledged the community's support for the renewed Ifa consultation process.