A prominent member of the Jadiara Royal House in Ijebu Ode, Chief Makanjuola Olaosebikan, has refuted a report by an online media platform that some kingmakers saddled with the responsibility of selecting the new Awujale of Ijebuland were invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Department of State Services (DSS) over bribery allegations.

He equally described as “unfounded and untrue” the online report that the kingmakers have been financially induced by a candidate for the stool.

Olaosebikan who stated this while speaking with journalists in Ijebu Ode on Monday, faulted the report which he said was designed to mislead the public, discredit the painstaking assignment of the Kingmakers and cause rancour among the candidates jostling for the Awujale stool.

Recalls that the Head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House and Otunba Jadiara of Ijebu Ode, Lateef Owoyemi, at the nomination meeting of princes and princesses held in Ijebu Ode last week, disclosed that no fewer than 95 candidates from the ruling house were jostling for the royal stool.

Owoyemi who declared that after the nomination meeting, names of those who scaled the first hurdle of screening would be forwarded to the kingmakers for selection added that the new Awujale would emerge soon.

Olaosebikan, however, flayed those behind the “financial inducement” allegations against the kingmakers, saying “they understand the enormity of the task before them, hence they cannot comprise the selection process”.

He stressed that the process of selecting the right candidate is ongoing as prescribed by the extant laws, warning that it would be wrong of anyone to drag the kingmakers into the murky waters by leveling unfounded allegations against them

Olaosebikan, however, called on the kingmakers and other stakeholders to ensure proper screening and selection in order to avoid any unnecessary litigation that may drag the revered throne of the Awujale.

“I read with disgust the publication insinuating that some members of the kingmakers have been induced financially by a candidate.

“In as much as we know that at a time like this, so many issues and lies will fly around, I equally want to enjoin everyone to be cautious of hearsay and Innuendos.

“I believe the kingmakers know what to do, and following the guidelines,they will do the right thing to the growth and progress of Ijebuland,” he said.

He urged the state government to ensure the smooth ascension process to the Awujale throne devoid of litigations capable of affecting the fortune of Ijebuland and the people. (The Sun)