Ijesa youths on the umbrella of a group, Omo Owa, Omo Ekun Youth of Ijesaland, has urged kingmakers in Ilesa to be fair in handling the process of selecting new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
Addressing journalists in Ilesa, the President of the group, Chief Babatunde Aguntasolo, reminded the kingmakers that it was taboo for them to have preferred or anointed candidates(s), among contestants for the stool.
Aguntasolo, subsequently demanded a fair and just process that would allow interested princes regardless of their financial strengths, to via for the stool, and if considered good enough to be made new Owa Obokun Adimula.
“You will agree with me that the throne can not remain vacant, all eyes are on the next ruling house, Bilaro Olu-Odo to fill the vacuum. It is our belief that the ruling house is endowed with sons who are blessed with leadership skills and qualities to move Ijesaland to greater heights.
“The last time Ijesaland witnessed a similar period was 43 years ago when His Imperial Majesty, Oba Peter Adeniran Agunlejika II joined his ancestors, so it is a great privilege for us all to witness this period and if this privilege is not well utilized, will speak volume of our future as Youths of Ijesaland.
“We are thereby appealing to the Ijesa Kingmakers who are the custodians of Ijesa culture, norms and traditions under the leadership of the Obaala of Ilesa to maximise their offices to uphold our ancient tradition in selecting the next occupant of Owa Obokun Adimula’s Palace as their decision will make or mar our future.
“There is no gain saying the fact that there will be a lot of patronage from the interested Princes but we should all be reminded that the sacrifices of our past heroes and heroines must be well acknowledged. The Progenitor of Ijesa Obokun Kingdom and the first Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Owa Ajibogun Onida Arara, his sons and daughters who had piloted the affairs of Ijesaland had made huge sacrifices not to be easily forgotten by either local or foreign currency or any asset that can not outlive us, their legacies must be well protected and respected.
“It is expected by our fathers who are the kingmakers to be fair in handling the selection process, it is a taboo for them to have preferred or anointed candidates(s), they should be fair and just to the interested Princes regardless of their financial strengths,” Aguntasolo said.
Being an ancient kingdom founded by an Odu Ifa which has since been guided by Ifa Oracle, Aguntasolo appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke, not to allow politics to have a space in the selection process and confirmation of appointment of who-would-be the next Owa.
Niger Delta group tackles NUPRC over ‘unfair’ oil blocs licensing
