Ondo State Government has described the purported selection of a new Aladeokun of Alade- idanre by the kingmakers as null and void.
Recall that the state government had earlier approved the appointment of Otunba Alex Akinnadeju as the Oba-elect but he died before his coronation.
Subsequently, the Aladeokun-in-council went ahead to select Benson Akingbaso from Akinboro ruling house as the Aladeokun- elect.
This move according to reliable sources is against the kingship selection process in Alade-idanre.
Investigation showed that their are six kingmakers traditionally saddled with the responsibility of picking a new king.
Two of the kingmakers are dead, only four are alive yet the Aladeokun-in-council claimed that 15 people voted.
Announcing the results of the election of Akingbaso, the head of the kingmakers in the community, who is also the Regent and Lisa of Alade-Idanre, Oladipo Akinsowon, said the stool was contested for by Benson Akingbaso and Toba Akinboro.
According to Akinsowon, Akingbaso through the ballot, scored 12 votes as against three votes scored by Prince Akinboro.
Reacting to the decision, the State government through the Ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs said the approval for a selection from the Akinnadeju ruling house in line with a consent court judgement still stands.
The statement signed by the Director Chieftaincy affairs, Kemi Akinyemi further stated that the selection of a new Aladeokun without government involvement violates due process.
Government however enjoined the kingmakers to follow due process in the selection process and not toe the path of discord or illegality.
Read the full statement below;
