Some members of the ruling houses in Arigbajo community of Ewekoro Local Council of Ogun State have expressed concern over ongoing selection process to fill the vacant Olu of Arigbajo stool.

The former Olu of Arigbajo, Oba Timothy Mosaku, passed on last year at 89 years of age.

One of the princes in the leading Amoriwako Ruling House, Adedeji Adegbenro, said one of the candidates parading himself as Olu-elect, “is not a native of Arigbajo”, that he came from Yewa area of the state.

According to him, only sons of the leading ruling house – Amoriwako, original founders of Arigbajo – are qualified to present the next traditional ruler.

Meanwhile, the Olowu of Owu has declared that only an offspring of a family native to Arigbajo and belongs to the ruling house can contest the vacant stool.

Sadly, he noted that the process of selecting a new Oba was being influenced by politicians.

He added: “I withdrew from presenting myself when I began to notice that the process was being muddled. Qualified people were also being forced to step down for unqualified people, who are non-natives. This is why I stepped back.”

Another member of Amoriwako Ruling House, Sunday Ishola, stated: “Traditionally, the Arigbajo stool is expected to be occupied by a qualified indigene, in accordance with the established customs, traditions and lineage requirements of the community.

“According to customs and tradition, it is the ruling house that has the exclusive authority to nominate candidates for the stool. Unfortunately, there are indications that certain quarters are attempting to assume this responsibility. This action constitutes a breach of the established traditional process.”

Saying the Amoriwako Quarters is the original founder of Arigbajo, he insisted that traditions and cultural heritage of the community must be respected in any process concerning the Arigbajo stool.

The Balogun Arigbajo, Olanrewaju Oyewale, said the process of selecting the next Olu “is ongoing and people are showing interest” and compilation of their names and profiles were continuing.

On his part, the Secretary of Omo Ilu Arigbajo Home and Abroad, Babalola Famuyiwa, said the selection process so far had been free, fair and transparent, with five bona fide candidates, who indicated interest, presenting themselves before the council.

To him, “it is probably those who have not made appearance that are raising issues.”

However, Chairman of Ewekoro Local Council, Sikiru Adisa, disclosed: “We’ve held meetings with stakeholders in the community, up till yesterday.

The crisis began about 15 years ago when the traditional ruler was installed by the Alake of Egbaland, while another was installed by the Olowu of Owu. It was the Olu installed by the Alake that prevailed and has just passed away.

“They were two were siblings. That situation created divisions in the community. So far, the state Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs said all the four ruling houses should come together and choose candidates that would go for election.”