Ooni Of Ife: Royal family rejects monarch’s appointment, hold protests

The Aga Orunto ruling family representatives described the appointment of the new Obalufe of Iremo quarters as an imposition.

The Aga Orunto ruling family of Ile-Ife, has rejected the appointment of Idowu Adediwura as the new Obalufe of Iremo quarters.

The members of the royal family marched with placards to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The Aga Orunto ruling family representatives described the appointment of the new Obalufe of Iremo quarters as an imposition.

Speaking on behalf of the Aga Orunto ruling family, Prince Oluwasegun Olayade said “We are protesting today because my family has been deprived of the Obalufe position that we are entitled to (the position) based on the order of the gazette.

“Four ruling houses are entitled to it (Obalufe position) based on that existing arrangement and there was no disorder until now which is our turn.”

Olayade  also said “The Ooni called us to present candidates that can occupy the throne and that if we do not present the names on time, he will choose for us. We submitted the names as and when due but he refused to call us back as we agreed.

“Suddenly, we heard that the Ooni had appointed someone that is not from the Aga ruling house, which is the next house to be appointed Obalufe.”

READ: How Gani Adams allegedly dis-respected Ooni of Ife

“This has never happened before; the position of Obalufe is a prominent one that cannot be bathed with injustice. Ooni can’t just overrule our choice when it is not the case that we are fighting dirty within the family.

“The previous method has always been peaceful using the gazette; this one may lead to crisis. The Ooni should return the position to the Aga Orunto family for peace to reign,” Olayade said.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, recently held a thanksgiving service celebrating his marriage to his new wife, Wuraola Otiti Zynab Obanor.