The Olule Ruling House in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State has streamlined the number of princes contesting for the Olute of Ute stool, reducing them from over a dozen to four, in a bid to ensure peace, unity, and a hitch-free succession process.
The stool became vacant following the demise of the revered monarch, Oba Adetunji Oluwole Akinrogbe I, who reigned for three decades.
At the conclusion of a series of meetings, each of the four ruling families presented one candidate, producing Prince Adeusi John Idowu Ajakaye, Prince Olubumi Agbanoja, Prince Abdul Abi Bola Omoloja, and Prince Osebayowa Ben Oju as the consensus flagbearers.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates after their presentation, Prince Osebayowa explained that the decision was taken purely to reduce internal rivalry, not to select a monarch.
“We started with about 11 or 12 aspirants. It was unwise for multiple princes from one family to be contesting for a single stool. After consultations, we all agreed each family should present one candidate,” he said.
He stressed that the exercise was only a family-level screening and that the final decision rests with the kingmakers and government authorities.
Osebayowa further warned against impersonation, saying:
“There is no office such as Deputy Head of Family. Anyone parading himself as such should be arrested. We have streamlined our candidates, but it is left for the appropriate machinery of government to determine the Olute-elect.”
Confirming the resolution, Prince Abdul Abi Bola Omoloja noted that the late monarch’s reign was not without turbulence, recalling that even his burial faced challenges due to unresolved litigations.
He accused some individuals in the town of spreading falsehood to destabilize the process and urged government intervention to forestall crisis.
The family secretary and other prominent members were also present at the decisive meeting, which ended on a cordial note.
The four princes have pledged to support whoever emerges as the new monarch to ensure peace, unity, and development in Ute community.
