The Ekiti State Government has granted the request of the Aramoko-Ekiti community to install a female regent, marking a significant departure from the town’s established tradition. This decision follows the passing of Oba Olu Adeyemi in August 2025, leaving the Alara stool vacant. The community had long expressed dissatisfaction with the practice of a male chief temporarily assuming the throne, deeming it incongruous with Yoruba customs. This sentiment was formally communicated to the government in a 2015 letter by the late Oba Adeyemi and other community stakeholders.
The approval for a female regent aligns with the revised Alara Chieftaincy Declarations of 2015, which were officially sanctioned and documented by the government. This change, driven by the community and endorsed by the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, reflects a conscious effort to modernize and adapt tradition to contemporary values. The deputy governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, emphasized that the government would not impose any candidate but rather respect the community’s choice, as long as it adhered to the established declarations. She reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and upholding the rule of law throughout the installation process.
The new chieftaincy declarations provide a framework for the selection of the female regent. The first option is a daughter of the immediate past traditional ruler, to serve for a period of three to six months. Should this prove unfeasible, a suitable candidate can be chosen from within the deceased Oba’s ruling house. This structured approach aims to minimize potential conflict and ensure a smooth transition. The deputy governor recounted how the previous installation of a male chief had caused division within the community, further underscoring the need for a revised approach.
The deputy governor underscored the significance of the widely attended meeting where the decision to adopt the new chieftaincy declarations was made. The presence of chiefs, ruling house representatives, and other prominent community members ensured broad consensus and legitimized the decision. The deputy governor stressed that the government’s role was to facilitate the community’s wishes, not dictate them. The declarations can only be amended by a reigning monarch in conjunction with the community stakeholders, ensuring that the power to shape tradition remains within the community.
Chief Diran Adebayo, second-in-command to Alara, expressed gratitude towards the government for addressing the issue thoroughly and transparently. He praised the deputy governor’s detailed explanation of the declaration process and the administration’s commitment to impartiality. He called upon all residents of Aramoko-Ekiti to respect the new arrangement and work together for the community’s benefit. This sentiment reflects a broader recognition of the importance of unity and adherence to established procedures for peaceful coexistence.
Representatives from the various ruling houses – Olokun, Agbagba, and Arakale – were present at the meeting, demonstrating a collective commitment to the new order. Speaking on their behalf, Mr. Olufemi Aladeloye affirmed their satisfaction with the government’s approval, emphasizing that it resonated with their aspirations for the future of their community. This unified stance underscores the community’s proactive role in shaping its own customs and traditions, ensuring they remain relevant and reflective of its values. The installation of a female regent represents a significant step towards inclusivity and gender equality within the traditional leadership structure of Aramoko-Ekiti.
