An Appeal from Ute Indigenes in Diaspora to the Kingmakers, Community Leadership and the Ondo State Government on the Selection of the Next Olute of Ute in Ose Local Government.
The appeal by our leader and Chairman, Professor Kehinde Olupona, published in the widely read online newspaper The Cable on November 8, 2026, was timely and a wake-up call to all sons and daughters of Ute.
His message speaks to every son and daughter of Ute. We cannot be spectators in the affairs of our beloved homeland.
We share the concerns he has raised about the development of our community. The torch that once burned brightly in Ute has dimmed over the years. Political rivalry, failures of leadership and prolonged legal disputes over the throne have divided us.
Many respected members of the community, ourselves included, bear some responsibility. The disagreements over judicial pronouncements during the reign of Oba Oluwole, and their aftermath at his passing, showed how costly division can be.
Today, we stand at the threshold of choosing a new king. We therefore urge all stakeholders to be guided by what unites and advances Ute, not by what deepens our divisions.
We appreciate the Ondo State Government’s recognition of the Olute stool as a First Class stool. We ask all those entrusted with the selection to give priority to the long-term interests of Ute and to treat every contestant with dignity and fairness.
To our kingmakers, we ask that you consider each contestant fairly, under the customs and rules governing succession. Based on the family lineages known to us, we recognise the ties of all the contestants to Ute and by extention to the Olute throne. We have, however, noted signs of external influence in the selection process, which we deplore and have raised in a letter to the Ondo State Governor some time ago. Such influence could give rise to claims that some contestants are non-indigenes or migrants
To the Ondo State Government, we respectfully ask for an impartial and transparent process, conducted in line with due process and subsisting court decisions, with strong consideration for our desired qualities, so that the new Oba enjoys the full confidence of the people.
In the spirit of Professor Olupona’s appeal, and in line with our stated position, we reiterate four qualities for consideration alongside the established requirements for succession:
Education: A first degree or its equivalent, as a benchmark for the responsibilities of a First Class traditional ruler.
Commitment to Ute: A record of contribution to Ute’s development, knowledge of its culture and traditions, and the ability to bring people together across longstanding divisions.
Character: A man of impeccable character, sound pedigree and unquestionable integrity, whose conduct, reputation and values command the respect of the community.
Financial independence: The ability to serve without financial obligations to patrons or factions that could compromise the Olute’s judgment.
To our community leaders, we ask that you keep dialogue open among families and groups that disagree. Please encourage contestants and their supporters to show restraint and to work together throughout the selection.
Above all, let us think of the Ute our children will inherit. We want them, wherever they grow up, to know their history, take pride in their roots and see a place for themselves in the future of our community. The example we set in this succession can help them build that connection.
History will judge each of us by whether we put Ute first.
Ute a san wa je o.
Ute Indigenes in Diaspora
