Kingmakers select new Deji for Akure

Kingmakers in Akure on Sunday selected Prince Aladetoyinbo Patrick of Osupa Ruling House as new Deji of Akure, 18 months after the demise of former occupant of the throne, Oba Adebiyi Adesida

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the stool became vacant on Dec. 1, 2013, when Adesida, from Ojijigogun ruling house, died after reigning for three years.

NAN learnt that Aladetoyinbo was unanimously selected among 13 people who showed interest in the throne.

NAN also reports that the Osupa Ruling House had on Friday forwarded a list of nominees to the kingmakers after a meeting at the residence of its head, Dr Ade Ogunleye.

The meeting was attended by officials of Akure South Local Government who were there to observe and supervise the proceedings.

The nominees included Princes Kayode Oluwole, Adegbola Adelabu, Adegbite Kayode, Adejuyigbe Femi, Adeolu Adepoju, Aladetoyinbo Patrick and Agbebi Leye.

Others were Arimoyo Ayodele, Bello Oluyemisi, Daramola Adeyemi, Ade Falodun, Ogunsuyi Oluwole and Samuel Adebayo.

The State Government had on Monday written a letter through Akure South Local Government, directing the ruling house to nominate a candidate for the approval of kingmakers.

However, the deposed traditional ruler of the city, Prince Adesina Adepoju, has gone to court, seeking an injunction restraining the state government, the ruling house and the kingmakers from approving any candidate for the stool pending the determination of his suit.

Adepoju, who is also from Osupa ruling house, claims‎ that he is still entitled to the throne since, according to him, he was wrongly removed from the stool.