The ancient agrarian town of Íkòyí-Ílé, headquarters of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been in a sleepy mode since the demise of the late Oníkòyí, Ọbá Abdulyekeen Ayinla Ọládipupọ IV who departed to the great beyond on April 7, 2022. Ọbá Ọládipupọ IV reigned as the 19th Oníkòyí of Íkòyí-Ílé in documented history.
The old Oníkòyí Palace have remained under lock and key over the past 24 months. Both residents of Íkòyí-Ílé and other communities under Íkòyí Kingdom have been waiting endlessly for the announcement of a new Oníkòyí.
The Oníkòyí of Íkòyí-Ilé is the natural Paramount Ruler of Íkòyí Kingdom and Chairman, Oriire Local Government Traditional Council in Òyó State.
About sixteen Princes from three of the prominent ruling houses in Íkòyí-Ílé are said to have expressed interest in ascending the vacant Oníkòyí stool.
The process of filling the vacant stool which commenced in June 2022 is yet to be concluded according to findings.
The absence of a gazetted declaration for the Oníkòyí Chieftaincy could be one of the reasons the process of filling the vacant stool has been dragging.
The Oníkòyí historically is the junior brother of the Aláàfin of Òyó and the first of all provincial Kings in the old Òyó Empire.
It is also noteworthy that the Oníkòyí plays a significant role during the installation of the Aláàfin of Òyó, as he is saddled with the task of leading the Òyó Mesi, including all other provincial Kings, District Heads and Chiefs to pay the first traditional homage on the day the new Aláàfin ascends the Òyó throne.
This scared age long custom and traditional rite has been kept inviolable and depicts the strong allegiance between the Aláàfin and the Oníkòyí as well as the brotherhood of Òyós and Íkòyís in the days of the old Òyó Empire.
The stool of the Oníkòyí is one of the several important stools yet to be filled by the Government of Oyo State.
And the question sons and daughters of Íkòyí-Ílé are asking the Oyo State government is when will they have an Oba on the throne