The stool of the Oloba of Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State has a new occupant-elect, following the emergence of Prince Gbadebo Adeusi Aladetoye after a keenly supervised selection process.
Gbadebo, from the Orioge Royal House, was chosen after Ifa divination and voting by the kingmakers, conducted in the presence of government officials and security operatives.
Head of the kingmakers and Elemo of Oba-Ile, Chief Oluwatimileyin Gbemisayo, said the exercise was carried out in line with government directives.
He disclosed that an Ifa consultation held on Thursday, September 17, identified Adeusi among five contestants, but government representatives insisted on an election.
“Five out of the six kingmakers voted for Gbadebo Adeusi. I have declared him our king-elect. The government representative witnessed the election,” he said.
Officials of Akure North Local Government, the councillor representing Oba-Ile Ward, Hon. Adesoye Fagoroyo and security personnel witnessed the exercise.
The head of the Kingmakers, Chief Gbemisayo, described the outcome as victory for the community, adding that a reconciliation committee would be set up to unite the other contestants.
The community now awaits official recognition and presentation of staff of office by the Ondo state government before traditional installation rites commence.
Also speaking,the Agba Akin of Oba-Ile, Chief Olugbogi Olushola, appealed to the other aspirants to support the monarch-elect for peace and development.
Olushola said that “Many people contest for a position, but only one person will emerge successful.
” We have chosen our king, and that is the will of our people. I appeal to the other contestants to work with him,” he said.
The new monarch, studied Linguistics in France and later worked in Germany and the United Kingdom, where he studied Human Management and Elderly Care at the University of Sunderland. End
