Following the process of choosing a new Oba in Emure-ile, a community in Owo Local government area of Ondo State, The CONCERNED EMURE ILE YOUTHS has raised their voice against abandoning the tradition process of selecting a new Oba.
This was coming barely 5 days after interested individuals (Prince) shows interest in picking up their nominations form at the Elemure Palace. This was disclosed in a statement sent to Peoplesmind.
Rest of the statement reads;
A CALL AGAINST ATTEMPT TO SCUTTLE THE OBASHIP PROCESS
Dear Sons and daughters of the community,
We are alarmed by the verified information that reached us today. As such information is a serious attempt to scuttle the process of the selection of our Oba and upturn the culture and traditions of the community.
We are aware that the process of selection was given 14days from the day of nomination and screening. After which the kingmakers will exercise their role to ratify and select the rightful person.
However, it came as a shock today that a letter was brought to the Olori-ebi which emanated from the local government. In a bid to summon the kingmakers to the secretariat to organise a clandestine selection. This attempt is seen as shrouded as against the transparency observed during the screening of candidates.
We are made aware of an alleged meeting of some supposed kingmakers yesterday at the secretariat of the Local Government. Of course, we can draw conclusion from their yesterday meeting to what happened today. The backdrop of their meeting is to sabotage Emure Ile and its people.
In appointing a community leader, we must honor tradition and culture, for they are the roots that anchor our identity and guide our future. We therefore beseech the kingmakers as they have been assigned by providence to ratify this process, to remember that they have a greater role to ensuring the peace of the community. They must maintain the sacredness of this process, and not allow our culture be turn upside down for gratifications.
The role of the kingmakers is well spelt out and for no reason are they to make their selection outside the community, while the Local Government is saddle with the responsibility of observing the process. We beseech the perpetrators of this illicit act to desist from bringing disrepute to the community.
The Elemure stool is not to be treated as if it is baale of Olanitori or Aba Egbodo. The local government should be aware of this and not cause unnecessary chaos in the community. We have continually advocate that the peace of the community is paramount and it is essential to its development.
We strongly advised the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon Tope Omolayo and the Vice Chairman, Hon Hameed Oladele not to allow himself to be used as a tool to destabilise Emure Ile. He should be aware that Emure Ile, as a major community in the local government is ranked as one of the most peaceful community in the entire local government. He has a responsibility to help sustain this and not be an onlooker when matters like this could implode the community.
As we await the 14 days, as adjourned after the screening. It is necessary for all parties to exercise patience and work strictly with the provided guidelines. This is important, as we must all jealously guide and protect the peace and tranquility of the community.
The peace, progress and development of Emure Ile remain sacrosanct. It behoves on us to emerge from this process of selection of King, UNITED than ever before.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN REACTION
While reaching out to the Local Government Chairman, Hon Omolayo Temitope, he disclosed that on a telephone call that he has nothing to do do with any Letter being sent to the head of the family) Baba Omotosho) calling for the selection on an Oba in the Local Council.
Hon Omolayo also emphasized that there is a new Sherif in town and he won’t be partial with the process of the election but all he want is an Open process of the election. I have only invited them to a meeting which is to hold by 4pm today, to discuss and inform the Afobaje while they must ensure peaceful selection process, Hon Omolayo disclosed
I am a Pastor and I have no interest in whosoever emerge in the selection process of the Oba, I have not called for an election to hold in the Local Government as well, Hon Omolayo added.
While reaching out to the Vice Chairman of Owo Local Govt Chairman, Hon Hameed Oladele, he promised to call back while he is yet to give say.
THE HEAD OF THE ELEMURE FAMILY REACTION
Peoplesmind reached out to the head of the Elemure family, Baba Omotosho on a telephone call, baba Omotosho disclosed to Peoplesmind that he received a letter from the Local Government Council calling for selection to take place in the local government, he said “they ask me to sign on the said letter” Baba Omotosho said.
The Afobaje will give a date that is convenient between the 14days from the nomination day to carry out the selection process while observers will be invited. Baba Omotosho also confirmed that the selection process is to take place between between 14 days from the nomination day.
The head of the Elemure family also urge Youths in the community to avoid being use by Political motivated individual.
Cc:
Commissional for chieftaincy and local government affairs Ondo state
DSS
Commissioner of Police
