On Friday, youth from Araromi-Obo, a community within the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, protested against what they considered an effort to impose a new traditional ruler on the town. The demonstrators accused certain individuals of trying to manipulate the local traditional system by appointing warrant chiefs that would allegedly support their chosen candidate. Speaking to the media after the protest, Mr. Sunday Faseluka, President of the Araromi-Obo Youths, emphasized that the town already has established kingmakers who have faithfully served for over twenty years. He mentioned Oisangan, Chief Oluwole Egunjobi; Ejigbo, Chief Joseph Alabi; and Ejisun, Chief Ajayi Sunday as the current kingmakers. Faseluka asserted that any attempt to replace these chiefs while they are alive is unconstitutional, illegal, and provocative, warning that such actions could disrupt the community’s peace. He claimed those initiating this change were motivated by selfish interests, jeopardizing the integrity of the traditional system. Additionally, the group’s secretary, Mr. Deji Alabi, accused the orchestrators of trying to eliminate the kingmakers to favor Prince Ebenezer Ojo, whom he alleged was being set up to take the throne. Alabi condemned the plan, stating it would be met with resistance from the people of Araromi-Obo who wish to protect their customs and traditions. Furthermore, he pointed out that Mr. Ojo is illiterate. “In today’s circumstances, we do not desire an uneducated person to be our king,” he remarked. “What we seek is someone with education who can foster growth in our community.” The selection of warrant chiefs is merely a tactic to benefit Mr. Ojo, and we, the youth, completely oppose this effort.
