The Obalodo designate of Oye Ekiti, Mr. Bamitale Oguntoyinbo has clarified that the questti till the 26-year-old vacant position of Obalodo “Chief priest for “Oro Oye ” the Ode festival is not an attempt to install another monarch in Oye-Ekiti.
The Obalodo designate, therefore described as wicked and cheap blackmail, insinuation milling round Oye community and environs that the preparations for the installation of Obalodo in Oye-Ekiti was meant to install an oba for Ilodo community.
Hon. Oguntoyinbo, former chairman of Oye Local Government described the rumour as the handwork of detractors particularly those enemies who want the institution of Obalodo to go into extinction. pointing out that Obalodo is the traditional title of his forefathers.
The Obalodo designate ,at the family meeting, said Obalodo institution and the family has no intention to undermine the authority of any traditional institutions in Oye-Ekiti, saying, Oba Sir Micheal Oluwole Ademolaju, Adugbole 3rd, who is one of the foremost traditional rulers in Ekiti, will for ever be respected and adored because his reign in Oye has witnessed peace, invaluable progress and physical developments in Oye Town.
He explained further that the last installation was , June 11th, 1942, shortly when oba Adugbole the 2nd was installed as Oloye. The late Joseph Alonge Oguntoyinbo, who reigned for 56 years, died, July, 22, 1998.
He explained further that the family members are preparing to install a new Obalodo, whose stool has been vacant for the past 26 years, and this has affected negatively the culture and tradition of oye community.
He explained further, that the chieftaincy law of Ekiti does not allow individual to be installed as a” king” without the approval of State Executive Council. The family has therefore written to kabiyesi Oloye in order to carry him along while filling the vacant stool.”