The Ekiti State Government has issued a 21-day deadline to the kingmakers of Oke Ako in Ikole Local Government Area to begin the selection of a new traditional ruler, bringing renewed urgency to a kingship vacancy that has lasted for over two decades.
This development was made public through a statement on Wednesday by Victor Ogunje, the Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, following a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye at her office in Ado Ekiti.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the 25-year absence of a monarch in Oke Ako, Afuye emphasized the need for the community to move forward. She disclosed that only two branches of the Aafin Ruling House—Oke Aafin and Odo Aafin—would be allowed to present candidates for the throne, while the third branch, Afata, would not be eligible, as it had produced the last king.
“The Afata family is urged to withdraw its legal case currently before the Supreme Court to ensure a smooth and peaceful selection process,” Afuye said, noting that the prolonged leadership vacuum has negatively impacted security and development in the community, especially amid growing concerns over kidnapping and unrest along the Ipao–Oke Ako–Irele axis.
“There’s no justifiable reason to delay this any longer. It’s time to restore leadership in Oke Ako. We are giving the town 21 days to begin the process and resolve internal disputes for the sake of progress,” she added.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atibioke, also spoke during the meeting, stating that the state government would officially instruct the Ikole Local Government to direct the eligible ruling houses to commence the selection.
She stressed that only qualified princes from Oke Aafin and Odo Aafin branches should be considered, and the process must be carried out transparently in the presence of both security agents and local officials.
“Going forward, the government will give closer attention to all issues concerning Oke Ako,” Atibioke said.
Alhaji Mohammed Obafemi, a respected elder of the Aafin Royal Dynasty, explained that the controversy stemmed from the Afata family’s claim to exclusive rights over the throne.
However, he clarified that tradition supports the eligibility of all male descendants from both the Oke Idi Osan and Aafin ruling lineages.
Chief Olajide, the Ejemu of Oke Ako and head of the kingmakers, confirmed that efforts to initiate the selection had been made previously but were put on hold due to the ongoing court case.
