A group of traditional worshippers under the auspices of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Welfare Association, which is popularly known in Nigeria as Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Assembly, has urged Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, to graciously appoint any eminently qualified candidate that will not only openly identify with Ìṣẹ̀ṣe religion, but, also help to promote the unique traditional practices in Oyo Aláàfin, always.
This was made known in a press statement which was jointly signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Mr Aderemi Ifáòleèpin Aderemi and Secretary-General, Ifagbenuola Popoola, made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Thursday, the body implored that whoever wishes to be next Aláàfin to also have in mind that, the stool is meant for someone who will always respect and cherish Ìṣẹ̀ṣe and must openly identify with the Yoruba indigenous religion like the immediate past traditional ruler of the town, late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, but also protect the interests of practitioners, among other religions he will be presiding over in the ancient town.
The group urged Makinde who has the authority on enthronement of traditional rulers in the state, as well as kingmakers in Oyo town and the Oyo-Mesi to speed up the selection process and fill the vacant throne of Alaafin, as whoever mounts the throne will be globally-revered among other traditional rulers in Nigeria.
“We implore the Ọ̀yọ́-Mèsì, who are the Kingmakers to make sure that whoever that is selected or chosen to be the next Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ must be Ìṣẹ̀ṣe inclined cum Ìṣẹ̀ṣe lover; and who is ready to openly identify with Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a Yorùbá indigenous religion.
“That the appointing authority who is the Governor of Oyo State should graciously appoint any eminently qualified candidate that will not only openly identify with Ìṣẹ̀ṣe religion, but, also help to promote the unique traditional practices in Oyo Aláàfin, always.
“Further, we implore whoever wishes to be next Aláàfin to also have in mind that, the stool is meant for someone who will always respect and cherish Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.”
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Assembly commended the Oyo State government and kingmakers in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government, for arriving at a seamless process in picking a new Aseyin of Iseyin on Monday.
They urged the Aseyin-designate, Prince Sefiu Olawale Oyebola to embrace Yoruba traditional practices in order for him to enjoy the throne, as according to them, only the Yoruba culture, tradition, and belief system embodies equality and peaceful cohabitation among residents.
