By Yunusa Oluwatomiwa
Some stakeholders from the Ogundimokun Asiyanbiola Royal Family in Ora Community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have petitioned Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq over alleged irregularities in the ongoing process to appoint a new traditional ruler.
The petition, dated March 15, 2025, was submitted through HB&A Law Partners, acting as solicitors to the concerned members of the royal family.
In the petition, the stakeholders raised concerns over what they described as a breach of established procedures and lack of transparency in the selection process being conducted by the Afobajes (King Makers).
According to the petition, the process followed the demise of the late king, Adebayo Samuel Akolade.
The petitioners stated that six candidates were initially nominated from four recognized royal families eligible to present aspirants for the throne. However, they alleged that candidates from the Ogundimokun Asiyanbiola Royal Family were arbitrarily disqualified without adherence to laid-down procedures.
They further claimed that the affected candidates were not given any reason for their disqualification, nor were they allowed to respond to any concerns regarding their eligibility.
The petition described the development as inconsistent with the traditions of the Ora Community and contrary to principles of fairness, transparency and natural justice.
It also alleged that the King Makers proceeded with the selection process by considering candidates from other royal families while ignoring established customary procedures.
The stakeholders further claimed that after the screening exercise, the Chairman of the King Makers had not forwarded any report to the Ifelodun Local Government Traditional Council for review, as required.
They added that there were indications that the council may have been bypassed entirely in the process, a situation they said has generated concern and dissatisfaction within the community.
The petitioners stressed that the stool of the Ora Community is a revered traditional institution and warned that any deviation from established procedures could undermine its legitimacy and create tension.
They therefore called on the state government to intervene by halting any further action or recognition of a new king until a proper review of the process is conducted.
They also urged the governor to order a thorough inquiry into the activities of the King Makers to determine whether due process was followed.
According to them, such intervention would help restore public confidence and ensure that the emergence of a new traditional ruler reflects the will of the people and the customs of the community.
The petitioners expressed confidence that timely action by the governor would help preserve peace, unity and respect for traditional institutions in the area.
