The Oba-Ile Progressive Union (OPU) has dissociated itself from claims that its leadership has adopted or endorsed any candidate in the ongoing selection process for the Oloba Oodaye stool.
The Union, in a statement issued against the backdrop of controversies and growing concerns over the process, said all qualified princes from the accredited royal family remained candidates worthy of consideration.
The President of the OPU, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ayodeji Fagbemi, said the Union remained committed to a transparent, credible and peaceful selection process that would produce the best candidate for the community.
He said, “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.”
Fagbemi acknowledged the right of individual members of the community to support candidates of their choice, but stressed that such personal affiliations should not be misconstrued as the official position of the OPU.
According to him, the Union’s position has consistently been that the selection process must be transparent and credible, with the eventual emergence of the Oloba Oodaye based on the procedure approved by the government.
He said whoever emerged from the process would receive the support of the Union in the overall interest of Oba-Ile.
The OPU also rejected the description of any contestant as a “wrong candidate,” insisting that there was no wrong candidate among qualified princes of the accredited royal family.
The Union said it had earlier advocated impartial criteria to guide the selection, with the aim of producing a monarch capable of addressing contemporary challenges while preserving the history, culture and traditions of Oba-Ile.
It further dismissed reports of division within its leadership, saying the organisation had not aligned itself with any faction or authorised anyone to speak on its behalf in support of a particular candidate.
“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,” the statement said.
The Union also appealed to members of the community to desist from making allegations that some individuals belonged to factions or had received money from contestants, describing such claims as capable of escalating tension and deepening division.
It urged all stakeholders to refrain from provocative or unsubstantiated statements and allow the process to proceed in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
According to the OPU, members at their last meeting had 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 not been diligently pursued, saying greater openness could help address the concerns surrounding the process.
The OPU therefore urged the kingmakers to remain united, transparent and committed to resolving the current issues, stressing that the community needed not an “anointed candidate” but a credible monarch capable of leading Oba-Ile towards greater progress and development.
It also called on members and other lovers of Oba-Ile to pray for a peaceful resolution and avoid comments that could further polarise the community.
The Union reaffirmed its commitment to the emergence of a credible Oloba Oodaye and to ongoing developmental initiatives, including the community bank project and other programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
Fagbemi, while praying for God’s will to prevail in the selection, called for truth, peace and unity throughout the process.
The Union concluded by reaffirming its position: “Oba-Ile Progressive Union is not divided and has no candidate.”
