From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A chartered accountant and legal practitioner, Prince Babatunde Ajayi, 52, has been elected the new Akarigbo of Remoland.
The election was supervised by the Secretary to the Local Government, Sagamu, Adewale Fakoya.
Ajayi emerged through open ballot held on Thursday, among seven kingmakers, at the Akarigbo’s Palace in Sagamu.
After the kingmakers cast their votes, including Chief Rasak Akinyemi Salami (Lisa), Chief Abdul Wasiu Awofala (Losi), Chief Taiwo Sule (Oluwo Odofin), Chief Lamidi Adesanya (Apena), Chief Ogunyemi Adesina (Ogbeni Odi), Chief Kolawole Odumuyiwa (Balogun) and Chief Omoba Adekunle (Olotu Omoba Akarigbo), the new Akarigbo emerged tops with five votes while Prof. Babatunde Ogunmola came second with two votes.
Seventeen other nominees got no vote.
Daily Sun gathered that the name of the Akarigbo-elect will be forwarded to the state government, in preparation for his coronation.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Commissioner for Local and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jide Ojuko, has confirmed Ajayi as the Akarigbo-elect. He affirmed that “Ajayi had five votes against two by the runner-up, Prof. Ogunmola, in an election conducted by the seven-member kingmakers.”
He disclosed that the nomination and election process were peaceful, adding that installation date would be announced
soon.
“It is true that a candidate has been elected as the Akarigbo of Remoland. He is Prince Ajayi. I am happy the processes have been peaceful, I mean both the nomination and selection and soon, the installation date will be announced,” Ojuko said.