- Youth allege compromise in royal stool selection
Emure Ekiti, a town in Ekiti State, Nigeria, is embroiled in a controversy surrounding the selection of a new monarch, the Elemure.
The town’s king, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, passed away on May 30, 2024, leaving the royal stool vacant.
The selection process, which is expected to be guided by tradition and Ifa consultation, has been marred by allegations of bribery and compromise.
Over 200 youths in Emure Ekiti have been protesting since last week Monday, demanding a fair and transparent process.
The Ekiti State Government has warned traditional chiefs against bribery and compromise, emphasizing the need for stringent compliance with the town’s customs and practices.
Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye stressed that the government will not tolerate any form of bribery or influence-peddling in the selection process ¹.
The town has two Ruling Houses: Abenibota and Adumori. The last monarch emerged from the Adumori Ruling House, and it is now the turn of the Abenibota Ruling House to produce the candidate that will fill the royal seat.
Twelve princes from the Abenimota Ruling House are contesting for the position, and the kingmakers have assured that the process will be free and fair.
However, the alleged compromise of the kingmakers and the local government chairman has raised concerns among the townspeople.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Olaiya Atibioke, has emphasized the need for thorough screening of the contestants and documentation of the procedures to ensure transparency.
The Emure Ekiti royal stool is among the highest-rated in the chieftaincy hierarchy in Ekiti State, and the townspeople are eager to see a fair and transparent process that reflects the town’s customs and traditions ¹.
