The people of Iyin-Ekiti in Irepodun Ifelodun local government area of Ekiti state have been told not to allow politicians, sycophants or those with selfish interest divide them.
Rather, they should close ranks, be united and speak with one voice against the common problems facing the town.
A frontrunner to the next Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti throne, Prince Adeniyi Ajakaiye made the call at his Iyin-Ekiti country home on Wednesday.
He noted that irrespective of the affiliations and beliefs, the people should avoid dichotomy, just as he advised all the stakeholders that would be involved in the selection process to be fair and just to look for the best among the equals.
The former Director of Administration at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, eulogised the late Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba (Justice) Ademola Ajakaiye, who joined his ancestors in September, 2019 after 14 years on the throne, describing him as an adviser that people from various classes regularly run to for his words of wisdom.
“It will be in the best interest of the town to sustain the developmental drive of late Oba Ajakaiye through the careful selection of the next occupant of the exalted stool of Oluyin of Iyin,” he said.
The Prince from Oketagidigidi ruling house that the people should work together with one destiny for the overall peace, unity and rapid development of the town, noting that any person that goes contrary will be regarded as enemy of the people.
He charged all the quarter chiefs to always educate their subjects on the need to remain peaceful at all times as, according to him, crisis is an ill wind that blows no one any good.
On who should occupy the Oluyin stool, the frontrunner contender said, “the candidate must be a bridge builder, a good listener, level headed individual with capability for right judgment, educationally and traditionally intelligent, God fearing and a down-to-earth community mobiliser among other attributes.
He said the town could not afford to trivialise the process of the selection of the new Oba because a lot depends on it for the sustainable growth of the town.
He commended the high chiefs, chiefs, community leaders and all citizens for their steadfastness during the painful period of the transition of the late Kabiyesi, and expressed happiness with the selection of Princess Adeola as the Regent of Iyin at the moment.
He offered his support for the Regent praying that God will grant her the needed wisdom to pilot the affairs of the town.
Before the demise of the former Oluyin, seven of the 12 kingmakers had passed on and thereby could not form quorum, while warrant chiefs have to be appointed to make the number, with the main purpose of picking another monarch for the town.
And now that they are 12, they have informed the government and awaiting a formal letter of presentation of the candidates to set the selection process in motion.
The Oketagidigidi ruling house is currently parading six contenders, namely: Prince Ajakaiye Adeniyi, Owolabi Rotimi, Owolabi Sunday, Omoyajowo Sunday and Prof. Sunday Falodun. Another contender, Tunde Akinrinade is allegedly battling with his status and had petitioned the state government for approval to contest, the response of which is been awaited.
Packaged by Omotoyosi Jesuleye
