Before the Kingmakers go into the inner cubicle to select the next Owa Omiran of Esa Oke Kingdom, the Ogboni (Regent) of High Chief Paul Abimbola Olamiju had planned a last minute open, transparent and create a level playing ground know-the contestants through an eight-member Screening Committee. Members of the committee had been carefully and meticulously selected to represent the critical blocks and interests within the society.
But while he was planning to ensure a peaceful exercise, mischief makers went to town and started misinforming the people about the intent of the exercise. There and then, disgruntled elements went wild and forcefully forced the abortion of the exercise.
Below is the speech the Regent had prepared to read during the inauguration of the Committee.
SPEECH BY THE REGENT, HIGH CHIEF PAUL ABIMBOLA OLAMIJU, AT THE INUGURATION OF THE SCREENING COMMITTEE FOR THE SELECTION OF THE NEW OWA OMIRAN OF ESA OKE.
It gives me a special joy and honour to welcome you all to this epoch making occasion – the inauguration of the Screening Committee for the selection of the new paramount ruler for Esa Oke Kingdom, Owa Omiran of Esa Oke.
Since our late Oba joined his ancestors on Wednesday 6 May, 2026, all efforts have been made by members of The Owa Omiran-in-Council to ensure smooth running of the administration of the town. But, now is the time to have a substantive Owa Omiran piloting the affairs of the town.
I am glad to note here that this is the first time our Princes are being thoroughly examined and screened before selection as Owa Omiran. I congratulate you all, because this is obviously an advancement in our community.
Let me remind you all that we (Owa Omiran-in-Council and Council of Elders) have not abandoned out traditional way of selecting our Oba; that is Ifa consultations. We have done that. Not once, not twice. We sincerely thanks the Apapo Awo, both in Esa Oke and elsewhere, for their efforts.
But, we must note here that, that was the first stage of the process. We have the results of the Ifa consultations in the file of each contestants. The screening is now the next stage.
We have conscientiously selected these eight-man committee to do the job for the town. It is our firm believe that the members of the Committee are not only God-fearing but men and woman of integrity and good conduct in our community. They all represent critical blocks within our community.
It is also our collective believe that they will do a thorough and good job.
Let me state clearly here, without equivocation, that the terms of reference of the Screening0 Committee is mainly to critically examine the records presented by the candidates, interview them and appraise them accordingly. They are not to tell us the chosen or preferred candidate.
The members of the Screening Committee are:
- Adeniyi Ekundayo Chairman
- Muyiwa Adeniran
- Olujimi Dada Odudu
- Taiwo Oladigbo
- Tayo Omojowogbe
- Femi Adele
- Ezekiel Olagunju
- Alagba Afolayan Adebiyi Secretary
The five Princes, here today, are by no means men of timber and calibre; men of honour, character and integrity. Esa Oke is indeed 1blessed to have these crop of undropable Princes vying to occupy the throne of Owa Omiran.
The five contestants to be screened and appraised are:
- Prince Adebayo (Bayo) Aregbesola
- Prince Adewumi Adeniyi
- Prince Adetola Adeniyi
- Chief Olalekan Adegbite
- Prince Aderogba Ola-Ajiboye
On behalf of members of the Owa Omiran-in-Council, Council of Elders and the people of Esa Oke, I congratulate you all for making it to this stage. I must confess that you have all shown undiluted royal carriage and character in your conduct so far. The entire community will remember you all for making this process a huge success.
To the elders of the Gogodudu Ananye Ruling House, you deserve to bask in all the accolades anyone may pour on you. You have brought forward high quality contestants. Esa Oke is proud of your House.
I am assuring you1 all here today that the Owamiran-in-Council will provide a levelled playing ground to make the process fair to all the contestants. No one will be accorded undue advantages or privileges.
We also plead with all to allow the process run its due course without acrimony or any interruption.
Please let me remind you all that all the relevant agencies of the government and securities operatives are watching and monitoring the process. We are following the schedule given to us by the State and Local Governments. ASIDE THE TIMELINE, WE ALSO HAVE A DEADLINE.
And, we are working assiduously to meet their deadline for the conclusion of the process. We cannot afford to fail. I believe, with God behind us, we cannot, and shall not fail.
Again, I want to assure you all today that the minimum irreducible gift the Owa Omiran-in-Council, the Council of Elders and all others who are involved in the process from the Gogodudu Ananye Ruling House can give Esa Oke now is a Monarch we all can be proud of; the best out of these five superlatively quality contestants.
This is our covenant with you today. we have carried along all the critical strata of our community in this process. The traditionalists, the elders, the men of faith, the intelligentsia, our youths and our women.
I have no doubt, we shall come up with an Owa Omiran that all you will applaud and proud of.
Please let us eschew rumour mongering and spreading of false information about the process. We should also be mindful of acts capable of causing public disorder within our community. We hardly can afford such now.
No one, I repeat, is a preferred or anointed candidate. All of the five contestants are our brothers from the same Ruling House.
Thank you very much for coming.
High Chief Paul Abimbola Olamiju
Ogboni (Regent) of Esa Oke