Idanre Kingmakers have insisted that the N10m payment by Obaship aspirants was lawful and meant for palace renovation, not bribes.

The controversy trailing the selection of a new Owa of Idanre took a new turn on Tuesday as the Kingmakers in Idanre Kingdom, Ondo State, broke their silence over allegations that they collected N10 million each from Obaship aspirants vying for the vacant throne.

The Owa of Idanre stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Frederick Aroloye over a year ago. Seven aspirants from the royal families were shortlisted for the throne, but only five paid the N10 million levy. Two were said to have been disqualified for failing to comply.

The Owa of Idanre stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Frederick Aroloye over a year ago. Seven princes from the ruling houses were shortlisted for the throne, but only five complied with the N10 million levy demanded by the kingmakers, while two were disqualified for failing to meet the requirement.

However, speaking at a press briefing in Odode-Idanre, High Chief Christopher Oluwode Akindolire, the Lisa of Idanre, who also serves as the current regent and chairman of the Kingmakers, confirmed the N10 million payment, but insisted it was not a bribe.

His words: ?We are not shying away from it. It is true we asked each contestant to pay N10 million. But we did not force anybody to pay. Only those who paid were balloted,? Akindolire declared.

The Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) had last week launched an investigation following a petition by some concerned citizens of Idanre, alleging that the Kingmakers demanded ?10 million from each of the seven princes vying for the revered Owa stool.

According to the petitioners, the payment violated the Chieftaincy Law of Ondo State and the age-long traditions guiding the process of selecting a monarch in the ancient cocoa-producing community.

But the Lisa, speaking with firm conviction, dismissed the corruption allegations as baseless and mischievous. ?Even the president of this country paid over N100 million to obtain the form when he wanted to contest for office. If that could happen at the national level, what is wrong if Idanre Kingmakers request N10 million from those aspiring to become the Owa?? he argued.

?We are not public servants. This is a traditional matter. The instrument appointing us doesn?t refer us to any ministry. We have the right to conduct the process as we know it,? he stated.

Akindolire revealed that the money collected from the aspirants was safely lodged in a bank account under his name as chairman of the committee ? not shared among members.

?We did not take any bribe. To prove this, the money is intact in the bank. Those who care to know my track record know I have never defaulted in such cases,? he said.

He explained that the funds were earmarked for specific purposes ? including palace renovation, traditional rites, mobility logistics, and sitting allowances for the Kingmakers during the process.

?The Owa?s palace at Oke-Idanre has been abandoned for over 45 years. We have some traditional homes in a very dilapidated state. The money is meant for renovation and to uphold the dignity of our culture,? he clarified.

He also drew historical comparisons to justify the financial request, saying ?When the late Owa bought his application form in 1969, he paid N500. If you calculate the compound proportion of N500 in today?s value, N10 million is not exorbitant,? the regent stated.

The Kingmakers stressed that they remain committed to conducting a ?free, fair and transparent? selection process.

?We beg all sons and daughters of Idanre to align with us. Those making allegations should come out openly to challenge us, not hide under faceless names. We are ready to defend ourselves,? he said.

The regent who lamented that the accusations had unfairly smeared the reputation of respected elders in the community said, ?It is unfortunate that our names are being dragged in the mud. But by the special grace of God, we are responsible people and we have not done anything wrong,? he said confidently.

Interestingly, four of the aspirants?Babatope Gbolagunte Aroloye, Ibukun Aroloye, Kayode Aroloye, and Mayowa Aroloye openly thrown their weight behind the kingmakers, maintaining that the payment was neither outrageous nor imposed under duress.

Speaking in separate interviews, the aspirants described the contribution as a necessary sacrifice for the preservation of Idanre?s heritage and the restoration of the long-neglected Owa palace.

They insisted that no one coerced them into payment, emphasizing that any genuine contender for the revered stool should be willing to invest in the dignity and sanctity of the throne they aspire to occupy.

One of them, Mayowa Aroloye, explained that the amount was justified ?considering the enormous cultural and ceremonial obligations attached to ascending the ancient Owa stool?, while Babatope Gbolagunte Aroloye likened it to ?a commitment fee that reflects the seriousness of one?s intention to serve the people.?

They collectively argued that no price is too high for the honour of wearing the ancient crown of Idanre, urging critics to look beyond the figures and appreciate the purpose behind the contribution, which, according to them, was ?aimed at reviving a palace that has long been a symbol of our identity and unity as a people.? (AriseNews TV

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