By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Idanre Development Assembly (IDA) has appealed to the Ondo State Government and other relevant stakeholders to urgently conclude the ongoing process for the selection of a new Owa of Idanreland.

It’s President-General, Dr. Anthony Omolola, in a statement, called on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Chairman of Idanre Local Government, and the Idanre Kingmakers—under the leadership of the Regent, High Chief Christopher Oluwole Akindolire—to work collaboratively towards resolving the prolonged delay.

Recall that the late Owa of Idanreland, Oba Dr. Fredrick Adegunle Aroloye, OFR, passed away on July 30, 2024, creating what it described as a significant vacuum in the traditional leadership of the ancient kingdom.

The group said that the absence of a substantive monarch has negatively affected several tradition-linked activities in the town, including the observance of market days and other customary functions.

They noted that the procedures guiding the selection of a new Owa are clearly outlined in the gazetted Chieftaincy Declaration and the Morgan Review documents issued by the government to the ruling houses and kingmakers.

While commending the processes already carried out by the authorized bodies, the Assembly expressed concern over the sudden halt and prolonged silence surrounding the exercise, warning that the delay could send negative signals within the kingdom and potentially threaten the prevailing peace.

“The peace currently enjoyed in Idanre and Ondo State should not be sacrificed because of the selfish interests of a few individuals,” the statement warned.

The group further stressed that the stool of the Owa of Idanreland is deeply rooted in custom and tradition, noting that deviations from due process could result in unpleasant consequences.

It urged the state and local governments to allow the kingmakers to complete the selection exercise without interference, favoritism, or coercion, in order to ensure lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Idanreland and Ondo State at large. End