By Dayo Johnson
AKURE—THE tussle for the chieftaincy stool of the Deji of Akureland took another dimension yesterday as the Ojijigogun ruling house that is expected to produce the next traditional ruler disowned three candidates whose names were said to have been shortlisted by it.

Tension and anxiety pervaded the town following the speculations that the royal house has sidelined other candidates interested in the stool that was vacant following the deposition of the former Oba, Prince Oluwadare Adepoju.

Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the Chairman and Secretary of the ruling house, Prince Soladoye Arosoye and Adelusi Adegoroye said they have not even met to decide yet on any candidate.

The ruling house pointed out that the speculation that three candidates have been shortlisted was false and misrepresentation.

They described the speculation which was published in a local newspaper as mischievous and total falsehood which is capable of causing havoc in the town.

According to them, the ruling house is still awaiting a letter from the government directing it to commence the shortlisting of candidates to fill the vacant stool.

The ruling house said, “we are still waiting for directives from the Secretary of Akure South Local Government Area Council on what next step to take as stipulated by law.”

According to them, many candidates  have so far showed interest in the stool and that many more would still show interest after the government gives the go ahead.

The Chairman said the ruling house was ready to present a credible candidate for the stool whenever the government writes them.

He said the ruling house would leave no stone unturned to partner with the state government, Elders and the Kingmakers in giving the town the traditional ruler it deserves.

Meanwhile, the regency council inaugurated by the state government after the deposition of the former Deji, weekend, ejected all the aides and other workers in the palace.

Led by their Chairman Dele Ajayi, the council said the decision was meant to take inventory of artefacts in the ancient palace.

Ajayi told Vanguard that the security operatives manning the palace have been directed to frisk visitors to the palace to avoid theft of artefacts.

On the selection of new Oba, the Council said the issue was outside their brief, noting that their duty is only to maintain peace in the absent of an Oba in the town.

According to Ajayi, “we would not dabble into the duties of the Kingmakers. When the time comes the government would write the ruling house that is to produce the next Oba and the selection proper would commence.

He pointed out that the Council had met with the security chiefs in the state on the recent insecurity in the state capital and have been assured of safety.