Olomu vacant stool: We will not disappoint, Kingmakers assures

The Omu-Aran Traditional Council of Chiefs in Kwara State, on Monday, pledged to ensure diligence and transparency in the selection of a new monarch to fill the vacant stool in the community.

The council, headed by Chief Festus Awoniyi, the Petu Atayero of Omu-Aran, made the pledge when members of Omu-Aran Muslim community paid Sallah homage to the Olomu’s Palace.

It would be recalled that the traditional ruler of the community and Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, after two decades of reign on the throne joined his ancestors on Nov. 30, 2017, after a brief illness.

Awoniyi, who is also the Acting Traditional Head of the community and the Olomu-In-Council, said the assurance was to allay fears being expressed in some quarters over succession to the Olomu stool.

He said members of the council were resolved to ensure the sustenance of unity and peaceful co-existence among the people of the community.

The chief told the gathering that no amount of pressure or financial inducement would distract the Kingmakers from performing their responsibilities, honestly and diligently.

Awoniyi urged religious leaders, indigenes and non-indigenes in the community to continue to support the council with prayers to achieve the desired success.

“I want to assure you on behalf of Omu-Aran traditional council and its members that we will not disappoint the community.

“Selection processes toward succession to the vacant Olomu stool is already on top gear and God willing we will surely come out victorious,” Awoniyi added.

Earlier, Alhaji Sodiq Afolayan, the Chief Imam of Omu-Aran central mosque, in a remark, had charged the kingmakers to be alive to their responsibilities.

He noted that any act of omission or commission on the part of the kingmakers in the succession processes would be rewarded by God accordingly.

“All eyes are on you to do a thorough job in selecting a God fearing leader for the community.

“We as religious leaders will not relent in interceding on your behalf for God’s divine guidance in carrying out your assignment successfully,’’ the Imam said.

A renowned Islamic scholar, Alhaji Issa Abdulsalam, in a sermon during the visit, urged Nigerians to imbibe religious tolerance and patriotism in order to achieve the desired nationhood.

“Our country presently is in dire need of unity, tolerance and sacrifice to move forward.

“This is not about being a Muslim or a Christian, Ibo, Yoruba or Hausa but a law abiding and patriotic citizen of Nigeria,” he said.