Dr. Oje Morakinyo, the Head of Omoni Ruling House in Pako community of Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government, says the council boss, Mr. Olusola Adeleke, acted in accordance with existing laws of selection process.
This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.
Morakinyo, also a former Commissioner for Local Government in Oyo State, had reacted to allegation of bias levelled against the council boss on the selection process by certain kingmakers.
He said that certain Pako Chiefs accused the council chairman of bias in appointing a new Baale of Pako, following the 2013 death of the late Baale Lamidi Akinyemi.
Morakinyo described the allegations as misleading, insisting the Baale of Pako is a recognised Part II Chieftaincy without statutory declaration, making the chiefs constitutionally recognised kingmakers under custom.
According to him, three recognised ruling houses namely Omoni, Ajuwon and Tubi descendants of Ogboja, founder of Pako, have produced Baales consecutively for over two centuries without disputes or challenges.
He stated government-approved rotation favoured Omoni, which duly nominated a candidate with Ajuwon and Tubi support, while aggrieved chiefs unsuccessfully challenged the process twice in court.
Morakinyo alleged the chiefs, claiming majority rights, attempted imposing a preferred candidate, allegedly using compromised officials to stall government approval of the duly nominated Omoni candidate.
He further alleged that after eight years, the chiefs illegally created another ruling house and nominated a candidate, seeking installation despite established customs and legal provisions governing succession.
He maintained the council chairman acted strictly in accordance with existing laws and Pako native customs, dismissing accusations of bias as unfounded and intended to mislead the public.
