OSOGBO – Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Osun State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, said the state government would soon fill the vacant stool of Elerinmo-Ijesha.
Alimi, who said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo on Monday, noted the government had set in motion the necessary machinery for it.
Erinmo-Ijesha, an ancient town in Oriade Local Government Area, lost its monarch in 2010
The commissioner said the government would follow all due process according to the tradition and the enabling law in filling the vacant stool.
He said his ministry officials had met with stakeholders and palace chiefs who were appointed to identify the next ruling house.
Alimi said the government had utmost respect for traditional institution as well as the need for mutual resolution of issues.
Some members of the community have staged a protest in front of the government secretariat in Osogbo asking the government to fill the vacant stool.
In a petition signed by three traditional chiefs – Daniel Agbedu, Sunday Ayeni and Isaac Omoniyi – the community restated its desire for a substantive ruler.
“In accordance with the tradition and custom of Erinmo Ijesha, not less than seven to nine kingmakers must decide who will be the next Elerinmo,’’ the chiefs said.
“Presently, only three of us are the surviving kingmakers in Erinmo. We have submitted names of other kingmakers to be appointed so that there will be enough kingmakers.
“Erinmo is a big ancient city, where the tradition and custom of being ruled by an Oba is greatly cherished.’’ (NAN)
