Residents of Iloro-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State have called for the prosecution of Mr. Omoya Michael Ayowale over allegations that he deliberately boycott his installation as the High Chief Asalu, leaving one of the kingdom’s most important traditional stools vacant for over years.
The demand for the prosecution of Omoya followed growing concerns that the prolonged vacancy of the Asalu chieftaincy title has negatively affected the administration and traditional structure of the ancient agrarian community, renowned for its rich Yoruba heritage and agricultural prosperity.
According to community leaders, the Omoya family who are descendants of the Arojo dynasty, was responsible for producing the next High Chief Asalu after the demise of the last occupant of the stool, Chief Akomolafe, in October 2022.
Mr. Omoya Michael Ayowale was subsequently presented by his kinsmen to the traditional ruler of Iloro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Femi Olugbesoye, who immediately approved and endorsed him for an irreversible coronation.
However, despite receiving royal approval, the monarch alleged that the nominee repeatedly failed to complete the necessary traditional rites required for his installation, leaving the prestigious stool vacant since 2023.
Oba Olugbesoye expressed disappointment over the development, describing the deliberate refusal to accept the title as an act that has disrupted the smooth administration of the kingdom.
The monarch lamented that the absence of one of the principal chiefs in the kingdom has weakened the traditional leadership structure and slowed the effective governance of the community.
Using traditional proverbs to illustrate the importance of the vacant stool, the royal father said a repaired wall with just one uncovered hole would still allow lizards to enter a house, just as a boat with a tiny hole beneath it cannot successfully sail across the ocean. This literally means the kingdom cannot function at its full capacity while the High Chief Asalu position remains unoccupied.
Residents have therefore appealed to the appropriate authorities in Nigeria to investigate the matter and ensure the man responsible for their plague by frustrating the installation process is held accountable, stressing that filling the vacant stool is vital to preserving the kingdom’s customs, stability and effective traditional governance.
