The Ekiti State Government has approved the selection process initiated by kingmakers to fill the vacant royal stool of Elesun of Esun Ekiti, located in Ikole Local Government Area. This decision follows the death of Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, who was tragically killed by gunmen in 2024 alongside another monarch on the Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele road.
The government also ratified the town’s decision to shift the royal succession to the Atiba Ruling House, breaking a 200-year tradition in which the Iloda Ruling House had exclusively produced the monarchs. This move aims to restore equity among the town’s royal lineages.
Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye gave the approval on Tuesday while addressing a petition filed by Ireti Omojola on behalf of the Iloda Ruling House, which had insisted that only its members could rightfully ascend the throne. The state’s stance marks a significant departure from historical precedent and sets the stage for a new era in the town’s traditional leadership.
