The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on Tuesday warned against what he describes as “politicisation” of the stool after his demise.
The 85-year-old monarch who was installed in 1960, said he did not know whether he would still be alive till next year Ojude-Oba or not, warning that the process of selecting his successor after his demise must not be politicised.
Oba Adetona said this during this year’s Ojude-Oba held at Oba Adetona Pavilion, Ijebu-Ode.
The monarch spoke in the presence of dignataries such as the Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun; and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, among others said.
He also enjoined the kingmakers to call on God for direction before the selection of his successor.
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Oba Adetona who spoke in Yorùbá said, “When I eventually go, please, go for a capable successor.
“Reject any candidate that will put Ijebu Land into retrogression.
“Do not politicise the process of selecting my successor.
“Do not go for people that will draw Ijebu backwards.
“If the next ruling house does not present a viable candidate, please, reject him, and go for the next ruling house with capable candidate.
“Do not go for moneybags that will destroy the achievements Ijebu Land has recorded so far.
“Call on God for direction when picking my successor. Ask God to guide you.”
He added “My prayer is that Ijebuland will continue to grow from strength to strength.”
The governor in his speech prayed God to spare Awujale’s life till next year’s Ojude-Oba. [PUNCH]
