For the first time in history, the Ekiti State Government has formally approved the installation of a female Regent to temporarily occupy the vacant Alara stool in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area.
Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the approval on Friday during a meeting with stakeholders in the town, following disputes over the community’s request to deviate from the long-standing practice of appointing a male Regent.
The stool became vacant after the death of Oba Olu Adegoke Adeyemi of the Arakale Ruling House on 9 August 2025.
Afuye explained that the approval was granted in line with the new Alara Chieftaincy Declarations of 2015, which had been endorsed by the late monarch, community leaders, and the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, and later gazetted by government. She said the new declaration stipulates that the first option for regency should be a female child of the late king, who may serve for three to six months.
“This declaration was made to avert crisis in the town. Only a substantive king and stakeholders can amend it—not even the governor. Now that the community has all agreed, you can forward the name of your preferred candidate, and the government will announce the female Regent accordingly,” Afuye stated.
She assured the gathering that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration would neither impose a candidate nor bend the law, but would ensure that due process is followed in line with the declarations.
The Deputy Governor added that the change was prompted by the community itself after a previous male Regent nearly caused division within the town, leading to a consensus for adopting female Regents going forward.
Commending the government, Chief Diran Adebayo, the Second-in-Command to the Alara, said the approval reflected impartiality and respect for tradition.
He urged indigenes to support the new arrangement to preserve unity and peace.
Representatives of the ruling houses—Prince Olufemi Aladeloye (Olokun Ruling House), Prince Olusola Samuel (Agbagba Royal Dynasty), and Prince Samuel Adefioye Adeuyi (Arakale Royal Lineage)—all endorsed the decision.
Speaking on their behalf, Prince Olu Aladeloye said: “What the government approved meets our yearnings, and we are all happy. If this town were divided into ten portions, over nine and a half would support this option of a female Regent.”
