OWA-OMIRAN SELECTION: ESA-OKE CONCERNED YOUTH DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY, STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION -

ESA-OKE, OSUN STATE — The Esa-Oke Concerned Youth has called on the Regent and Ogboni of Esa-Oke, High Chief Paul Abimbola Olamiju, and the Owa-Omiran kingmakers to ensure openness, transparency and strict adherence to due process in the selection of the next Owa-Omiran of Esa-Oke.

The call follows the Regent’s directive restricting social media postings and discussions relating to the selection process until the emergence of a substantive Owa-Omiran.

While acknowledging the need to preserve peace and prevent inflammatory publications, the group said silencing legitimate public concerns is not a substitute for transparency.

“The Owa-Omiran is a traditional institution belonging to the entire Esa-Oke community. The process leading to the emergence of the next occupant must therefore be conducted in a manner that commands the confidence of the people,” the group said.

The Concerned Youth urged the kingmakers to make the relevant stages of the selection process known to the public and to strictly comply with the applicable government gazette, laws and recognised customary procedures governing the Owa-Omiran stool.

The group further stressed that the voice and position of the appropriate ruling house must be duly respected throughout the process. It said no candidate should be imposed upon a ruling house against its established position or legitimate choice, and that the role of any other traditional body or stakeholder should not be interpreted in a manner that sidelines the lawful or customary rights of the ruling house.

According to the group, the integrity of the selection process depends not only on the eventual choice of an Owa-Omiran, but also on ensuring that the rights, responsibilities and voices of all legitimately recognised stakeholders are respected at every stage.

The group also raised questions over the proposed use of Ifa divination in screening the candidates, as disclosed by the Regent.

“If Ifa consultation is part of the established selection process, the people deserve to know the procedure, including the identity of the Ifa diviner and when the consultation will take place, subject of course to legitimate customary requirements,” the statement said.

It further called for the appropriate involvement of relevant government officials, youths, and notable sons and daughters of Esa-Oke at stages where their participation or observation is permitted under the applicable rules.

The group stressed that its demand should not be interpreted as opposition to the traditional institution or any individual candidate.

Rather, it said, the objective is to ensure that the eventual emergence of the new Owa-Omiran is backed by a process that is credible, transparent and acceptable to the wider community.

The Concerned Youth also urged the Regent and the kingmakers to demonstrate clearly that the selection process is free from any hidden agenda, personal interest or political manipulation.

“If there is no hidden agenda, there should be nothing to fear from transparency. The best way to dispel suspicion is to make the process open, follow the established rules and allow legitimate stakeholders to have confidence in what is being done,” the group stated.

It appealed to all sons and daughters of Esa-Oke to remain peaceful and responsible in their public discussions, while urging those entrusted with the selection process to remember that the Owa-Omiran stool is bigger than any individual, faction or temporary administration.

“The people of Esa-Oke deserve peace, but peace must be accompanied by fairness, transparency and confidence in the process.

The Owa-Omiran belongs to Esa-Oke. The process of selecting the next Owa-Omiran must therefore command the confidence of Esa-Oke.”

— Esa-Oke Concerned Youth