Oluoke Chiefs-In-Council Faults Monarch Selection Process, Urges Calm in Okeigbo Kingdom
By Exponent News, Akure – June 30, 2025
The Oluoke Chiefs-In-Council has raised concerns over the recent developments surrounding the selection of a new monarch in Okeigbo Kingdom, describing the process as flawed and inconsistent with established customs, traditions, and legal provisions.
In a press release signed by High Chief Dele Oduwale, the Ojumu of Okeigbo Kingdom, the Council addressed the general public and indigenes of the ancient town regarding the alleged selection of a new Oluoke on June 27, 2025.
The Council emphasized that the selection violates the rotational system enshrined in Ondo State’s traditional laws, which mandate that kingship rotates between ruling houses. “It is a known law of Ondo State that once a ruling house has produced a king, the next king must emerge from another ruling house. The Aare Kugbayigbe ruling house cannot produce two kings in succession. It is now the rightful turn of the Kuole Oloje Ruling House to present a candidate for the stool of Oluoke,” the statement read.
The Chiefs further outlined the traditional process required for selecting a new king, stressing that the procedure involves 14 kingmakers, including the Regent, six high chiefs, and eight others, who are responsible for selecting a candidate based on lineage, wisdom, and leadership qualities. In cases where any of these are unavailable, warrant chiefs may be appointed to fill the gaps.
Expressing concern, the Chiefs-In-Council faulted the Ondo State Government for allegedly bypassing the palace and ignoring proper consultation. “Presently, we are perturbed by the way the Ondo State Government has handled this without any communication to the palace. Is it that the state has forgotten that some people are in the palace holding on?” the statement queried.
They also drew attention to a pending legal matter, noting that an appeal is currently before the Court of Appeal in Akure, with a stay of execution order in place. “The state government is aware of an appeal pending at the appellate court, Akure Division, which has even issued a stay of execution order restraining any selection process until the court delivers its final verdict.”
Calling for calm, Chief Oduwale urged all indigenes to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the matter is resolved through appropriate channels. “Your support and prayers are invaluable to us as we must insist on doing things the right way. May the wisdom and guidance of our ancestors direct us in this noble endeavour.”
The Oluoke stool remains vacant following the recent dispute, as traditional institutions and legal interpretations continue to clash over succession rights in Okeigbo.
