By Dayo Johnson

AKURE—AS the Kingmakers are yet to agree on the selection of the new Deji of Akureland, the state government yesterday washed its hands off allegation of preference for any of the nine short listed candidates for the stool.

However, the kingmakers led by the Odopetu, Chief Michael Falade said they would meet to screen the candidates and decide on who to pick amongst the 11 candidates whose names were submitted by the ruling house.

He also dispelled rumour that the government was interfering in the selection process describing such allegation as baseless and speculative.

He pointed out that by Friday, the Kingmakers would come out with a decision on the nominated candidates.

Speaking with Vanguard, the Information Commissioner Ranti Akerele said the state governor has no interest in who becomes the Deji of Akureland

Akerele said the rumour that government had interest was borne out of mischief.

The Commissioner noted that government has no business in dabbling into traditional matters and that the choice of who becomes the Deji is the prerogative of the Kingmakers.

“The state government would maintain neutral role in who becomes the next Deji of Akure as the duty of who becomes a traditional ruler is that of kingmakers and not of government”, he said