A university don, Prof Tunde Falodun, has advised all the stakeholders that would be involved in the selection process of the new Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to be circumspect in the onerous assignment on their hands to ensure that the right candidate emerges for the good of the land.
Falodun, a professor of Communication Physics, at the Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, gave the advice in an interview with reporters at Iyin-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area of the state on Sunday.
He spoke on behalf of the Falodun Family of Iyin Royalty while reminiscing on the departed monarch, Oba (Justice) John Ademola Ajakaiye, who joined his ancestors in September after 14 years on the throne.
The Iyin-Ekiti prince reflected that the footprints of the late Oba transcended Iyin, as he was a dependable adviser to various organisations and governments at various levels, which regularly sought his words of wisdom.
He said that it would be in the best interest of the town to sustain this trend of development through the careful selection of the next occupant of the exalted stool of Oluyin of Iyin.
Falodun is a prince from the lineage of Oba Agboun, who was the 10th ruler in the town, which according to him was one of the lineages that constitutes the Oketagidigidi Ruling house of the town.
He advised that strong attention should be paid to the realities of the moment such that the next Oluyin should possess all the required qualifications to build on the glowing achievements of the former Kabiyesi.
He stated that the candidate should be a bridge builder, a good listener, level headed individual with capability for right judgment, educationally and traditionally intelligent, God fearing and a down-to-earth community mobiliser among other attributes.
He said the town could not afford to trivialise the process of the selection of the new Oba because a lot depends on it for the sustainable growth of the town.
He commended the high chiefs, chiefs, community leaders and all citizens for their steadfastness during the painful period of the transition of the late Kabiyesi, and expressed happiness with the selection of Princess Adeola as the Regent of Iyin at the moment.
He offered his support for the Regent praying that God will grant her the needed wisdom to pilot the affairs of the town in her regency.
His words: “Oba (Justice) John Ademola Ajakaiye, the late Oluyin of Iyin may have joined his ancestors, but the outstanding achievements recorded during his reign as the 10th Oluyin would remain a watershed in the annals of history of Iyin-Ekiti and the memory of the revered monarch would remain evergreen.”
“Oba Ajakaiye, the Oyinyosaye Uyin II brought a lot of progress to the town and lifted the stool of Oluyin to a great height both within and outside the country.”
He added that the late Oba was reliable, creative and available at all times not only for the development of the town, but also for the progress of individual citizens of Iyin.
Meanwhile, Prince Tunde Falodun has been selected by his lineage to contest for the exalted position of Oluyin whenever the race to the throne commences.
He was a strong contender for the Oluyin stool with the late Oba Justice Ademola Ajakaye when it became vacant in 2004 following the demise of Oba Julius Owolabi II.
