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Oloba Oodaye Selection: Oba-Ile Progressive Union Declares ‘We Have No Candidate’
The leadership of the Oba-Ile Progressive Union (OPU) has declared that it has no preferred or anointed candidate in the ongoing selection process for the Oloba Oodaye, urging all stakeholders to allow a transparent, credible and peaceful process that will produce the best candidate for the community.
The Union made the position known in a statement issued against the backdrop of the controversies, insinuations and growing concerns surrounding the ongoing selection process.
According to the OPU, its leadership has never adopted any candidate, stressing that all the contestants are regarded as members of the community, provided they are genuine princes from the accredited royal family.
The President of the OPU, Rt Revd Dr Ayodeji Fagbemi, said the Union remained committed to fairness, unity and the peaceful resolution of the selection process.
“Let it be clear that the leadership of the Oba-Ile Progressive Union has not at any time adopted any candidate. All the candidates belong to us, in so far as they are true princes from the accredited royal family,” the Union stated.
Bishop Fagbemi acknowledged that individual members of the community have the right to support candidates of their choice, but emphasised that such personal affiliations should not be interpreted as the official position of the Progressive Union.
The Union said its consistent position has been that the selection process should be transparent and credible, with the best candidate emerging in accordance with the established procedure approved by the government.
It added that whoever eventually emerges as the Oloba Oodaye would be embraced and supported in the overall interest of Oba-Ile.
The OPU also frowned at the description of some individuals as supporters of a “wrong candidate,” insisting that there is no wrong candidate in the contest as far as the contestants are qualified princes from the accredited royal family.
“Every Oba-Ile indigene has every right to support a candidate of his or her choice, but such a candidate is not an official candidate of the OPU. There is no wrong candidate in this contest that we know,” it said.
The Union further disclosed that it had earlier advocated for impartial and necessary criteria to guide the selection, with the objective of producing a monarch capable of responding to the challenges of the 21st century while preserving the values and traditions of the community.
It maintained that the leadership of the OPU remains united and that the organisation is neither divided nor affiliated with any faction in the contest.
“The leadership of the OPU is not divided and neither is the OPU. No one has been chosen to speak on behalf of the Union in favour of any candidate. We do not know any right or wrong candidate so long as the process is transparent and credible,” the statement added.
The Union appealed to individuals accusing others of belonging to factions or receiving money from contestants to desist from such allegations, warning that unsubstantiated claims could further create tension and division within the community.
It urged all stakeholders to avoid statements capable of heating up the polity at a time when peace and unity are required.
According to the OPU, its members had, at their last meeting, called on the kingmakers to be open about the selection process and allow the Union, alongside other stakeholders, to participate as observers.
The Union expressed concern that the request had apparently not been diligently pursued, contributing to the current situation.
“Our position is that the selection must be guided by truth, sincerity and openness in the interest of our community. This is where we stand,” it stated.
The OPU consequently urged the kingmakers to remain open, united and committed to resolving the present crisis, stressing that what the community needs is not an “anointed candidate” but a credible monarch capable of leading Oba-Ile into a new era of progress and development.
The Union also called on all lovers of Oba-Ile to pray for a peaceful resolution of the situation and refrain from making biased or unguarded comments that could further divide the community.
The statement further reaffirmed the commitment of members of the Union to the emergence of a credible Oloba Oodaye and to the continuation of developmental initiatives, including the community bank project and other projects aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of Oba-Ile.
The Union concluded by reiterating its central position: “Oba-Ile Progressive Union is not divided and has no candidate.”
OPU President prayed for God’s will in the selection and called for truth, peace and unity throughout the process.