Traditional rulers in Ekiti State on Saturday threatened to mobilise the people of the state to vote against any political party that does not pick its candidate from the southern senatorial district for the July 14 governorship election in the state.
APC and PDP had scheduled their primaries for May 5 and May 8 respectively.
The monarchs, while giving the warning at a meeting with Governor Ayodele Fayose, advised the political parties to take their warning seriously, adding that they would mobilise their people to vote against any political party that did not heed their demand at the election proper.
The Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of kings from Ekiti South, said they had resolved that all political parties must field a candidate from Ekiti South in the collective interest.
He said, "We should have a candidate who should emerge from the south irrespective of political party. That will show fairness. Where a particular area is not considered in the scheme of things, that will amount to marginalisation."
In his contribution, the Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Samuel Oyebade, said the people of the South had waited for too long" adding, "We are part of Ekiti State, any candidate from Ekiti South should be supported."
Speaking on behalf of Ekiti North kings, the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunji said "we believe in the principle of justice and fairness. We are not standing here to be partisan but we are talking about justice. We are supporting a southern governor based on principle of fairness, justice and equity."
Also expressing support, the Owatapa of Itapa Ekiti, Oba David Makanjuola, urged all the kings to galvanise support for the Ekiti South agenda.
The Alare of Are Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, who spoke the minds of kings from Ekiti North, described the agitation of the Ekiti south people as genuine which must be granted.
"People should support Ekiti South so that we don’t stay on each other’s neck. We are not saying a word in favour of a particular candidate or party but for us to remain as one people, let’s be fair to ourselves."
Governor Fayose, who described the agitation as legitimate, advised the monarchs to spread the message.
He said, "I have only one vote, it is their duty to seek the support of the people. You can’t stop anybody from contesting, but their demand is legitimate.
"The Peoples Democratic Party is a party of the people. We realised the agitation was legitimate that was why we zoned our ticket to the south."