Ijesa youths who are part of a group, Omo Owa, Omo Ekun Youth of Ijesaland, have urged kingmakers in Ilesa to be fair in handling the selection process of the 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 among contenders for the position.
Aguntasolo later demanded a fair process that would allow interested princes, regardless of their financial strength, to qualify for the bench and, if deemed good enough, be appointed as the new Owa Obokun Adimula.
“You will agree with me that the throne cannot remain vacant, all eyes are on the next ruling house, Bilaro Olu-Odo, to fill the void. We believe that the ruling house is endowed with sons who have been blessed with leadership skills and qualities to take 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 all of us to witness this period and, If this privilege is not used well, we will. They speak a lot about our future as Youth of Ijesaland.
“We therefore call on the Kingmakers of Ijesa, who are the custodians of Ijesa culture, norms and traditions under the leadership of the Obaala of Ilesa, to maximize their functions in upholding our ancient tradition by select the next occupant of the Owa Obokun Adimula Palace as his decision. will make or mar our future.
“There is no benefit in saying that there will be a lot of patronage from the Princes concerned, but we must all remember that the sacrifices of our heroes and heroines of the past must be well recognized. The Progenitor of Ijesa Obokun Kingdom and the first Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Owa Ajibogun Onida Arara, his sons and daughters who had run the affairs of Ijesaland had made enormous sacrifices that would not be easily forgotten by local or foreign currency or by Any assets that may not outlive us, their legacies must be well protected and respected.
“Our fathers, who are the kingmakers, expect them to be fair in handling the selection process, it is taboo for them to have preferred or anointed candidates, they must be fair and equitable to the Princes concerned, regardless of their financial situation. strengths,” Aguntasolo said.
Being an ancient kingdom founded by an Odu Ifá who has since been guided by the Ifá Oracle, Aguntasolo appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke, not to allow politics to have a space in the process of selection and confirmation of the appointment of who would be the next Owa. .
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