Oba John Adegbenro Falore, the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti has been confirmed as the rightful person to take over the throne of Ifaki-Ekiti in Ekiti-State. The monarch who took over the throne less than two years ago can now rule in peace after his victory in court. A High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti affirmed his kingship last week.
The Olufaki stool became vacant in November 2020, following the demise of Oba Gabriel Agbaje of the Aladegbami ruling house. However, contention arose when it was time to fill the vacant stool. There are three ruling houses in Ifaki-Ekiti, the Ajigbade, Alade Gbamiru and the Akanle ruling house. For over 97 years, the Ajigbade ruling house was not given the chance to ascend the throne. The chief in council had to narrow down the selection of the new king to the Ajigbade ruling house in order to break the 97 years jinx. Eight (8) contestants signified interest in the throne but during the screening process, the number was reduced to three contestants and at the final stage before Falore was chosen.
Prince Emmanuel Adeoya and Prince Adedayo Adeoya of the Ajigbade ruling house who made it to the final stage of the screening filed a suit challenging Falore’s emergence at the court in Ado-Ekiti. The two princes approached an Ado-Ekiti High Court to seek an interlocutory order restraining Governor Fayemi and others from installing Prince Falore as the new monarch in 2021. According to them, his emergence contravened the rotation of Olufaki stool that had long been in practice. It was stated that Falore’s father was the last monarch from Ajigbade’s dynasty to be installed at the expense of other arms of the extended royal family. Prince Adeoya, claimed that picking Falore would negate the principle of rotation in the family. Adeoya also faulted the process leading to the purported selection of Falore by some kingmakers, saying no Ifa oracle was consulted in line with practice and tradition. He argued that the election conducted by the kingmakers was a flagrant desecration of tradition. There was a back and forth in court for almost two years before the High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti finally affirmed Falore’s kingship. The community was thrown into jubilation last week when the challenger’s case was struck out and thrown out of court. His Royal Majesty, Oba Falore even called on his aggrieved kinsmen to sheathe their sword and join hands with him to develop the town and take it to an enviable height after his victory at the court.
