The Integrity Caucus of the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House in Ilesa, Osun state, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke not to be partisan in the selection and confirmation of appointment of who-would-be the next Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
The secretary of the caucus, Gbenga Tosho Haastrup, in a statement made available to our correspondent Tuesday also appealed to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, to give room for the traditionalists to perform their traditional roles in the selection process.
The group also appealed to kingmakers not to be intimidated or subject themselves to the control of politicians, warning that their decision will make or mar the future of Ijesaland.
“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 have anointed candidates(s), they should be fair and just to the interested princes, regardless of their financial strengths.
“It is imperative to state that there has been a rumour of the state government having a chosen candidate, ready to be appointed. We want to believe this is a rumour without any iota of truth.
“How can a listening governor impose a particular prince on Ijesa people? It is not possible. How will Asiwaju of Edeland go against the traditions of Ijesaland? This is not possible. The youth of Ijesaland believe His Excellency will encourage and charge the Ijesa Kingmakers to be directed and led by Ifa oracle in selecting the next Owa.
“However, it is most important to use this medium to remind the political stakeholders of the current administration in Osun state who are of Ijesa extraction, most especially; Osun PDP chairman, the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Osun SUBEB chairman, federal and state lawmakers and others too numerous to mention not to mislead the state governor as they are all Ijesas first before being appointed or elected to any public offices.
“They should understand and acknowledge the position of Ifa oracle when it comes to the selection of who sits on the ancient and most exalted throne of Ijesaland,” he said.