Former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday advised the Ile-Ife kingmakers and High Chiefs to ensure that rightful, competent and capable prince is selected and installed as the new Ooni.

While sympathising with members of the ruling houses, Obasanjo however called for transparency, fairness, honesty and openness in the selection of the new monarch to ensure peace and harmony in Ife and its environs.

Obasanjo therefore warned the kingmakers to abstain from the act capable of undermining the royal integrity. He maintained that any disunity would have negative effect on Ife and beyond.

He described the stool of the Ooni as dignifying, significant and central to the Yoruba race, saying the stool must be occupied by a man of respect, honour and dignity.

He said: “With the demise of Ooni, the entire Yorubaland has been thrown into mourning. So after Oba Sijuwade, the spirit of unity, peaceful co-existence and stability laid by him must be sustained. This is the season of financial and material inducements from the aspiring royal candidates.

“I want to advise the kingmakers to abstain from any act capable of undermining the royal integrity and soaring image of Ile-Ife which symbolized the source and cradle of Yoruba race.”