The Ekiti State Government has officially approved the process for selecting a new Elesun of Esun Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area, following the tragic death of Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, who was killed by gunmen along Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele road in 2024.

In a significant departure from tradition, the government has ratified the community's decision to select the new monarch from Atiba Ruling House, breaking the 200-year monopoly previously held by the Iloda Ruling House.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, announced the approval on Tuesday while addressing a petition submitted by Ireti Omojola on behalf of the Iloda Ruling House, which had protested the decision.

"We should allow the selection process to continue, nobody must cause any violence. The Government has no vested interest in the throne," Afuye stated, according to a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje.

The Deputy Governor cited an Appeal Court judgment delivered on April 14, 2025, which nullified a State High Court ruling that had granted exclusive rights to the Iloda Ruling House. She also referenced the Justice Aladejana Chieftaincy Review Commission's findings, which recognized three royal dynasties—Atiba, Iloda, and Ejisun—as legitimate contenders for the throne.

Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atibioke, reinforced the government's position, stating that the Chieftaincy Declarations remain the official framework for appointing traditional rulers. He noted that evidence exists showing that previous monarchs, including Oba Samuel Omojola and the late Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, had consented to include Ejisun and Atiba as part of the ruling houses.

However, Ireti Omojola, representing the Iloda Ruling House, maintains that both the 1957 Elesun chieftaincy declarations and the Justice Oluwole Chieftaincy Review Commission of 1982 excluded Ejisun and Atiba from royal lineage consideration.

"The court in its judgment ruled that by practice, history, native law, customs and traditions, Ejisun and Atiba are not recognized as ruling houses in Esun Ekiti. How then can they produce a king?" Omojola questioned.

The Iloda Ruling House has appealed to the Supreme Court following the Appeal Court's dismissal of their case, indicating that the chieftaincy tussle may continue despite the government's current stance.

Deputy Governor Afuye urged all stakeholders to maintain peace in line with Governor Biodun Oyebanji's philosophy that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.