From Mokolade Michael, Akure
The regent of Ibulesoro in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Moyinoluwa Falowo has said that the tradition of the town does not allow a regent to give birth while on the throne.
This, she said was because any child born during the period of regency automatically becomes the traditional ruler of the town.
However, Falowo who ascended the throne following the demise of her father, Oba Joseph Falowo said a regent can give birth after leaving the throne and continue with her normal life.
She said there had been misconception about her ascension to the throne and her ability to give birth saying that she is will vacate the throne as soon as a substantive Olubule of Ibulesoro emerges and continue with her normal life.
She debunked insinuation that she could no longer give birth to children after vacating the throne, saying that she is not allowed by tradition to get pregnant only during the period of her regency.
“This is because any child born by a Regent during the period of regency automatically becomes an Oba, which is not permitted. After regency, the regent goes about her normal life and can have children,” she explained.
Giving a background of the town, Falowo said “Ibulesoro practices regency after the demise of a traditional ruler. In regency, a princess manages the affairs of the Kingdom pending the selection of a new traditional ruler. She is considered the leader of the community, and sits on the throne.
“I was 24 years old when I became the regent of Ibulesoro. My late father, late Oba Joseph Adenibuyan Falowo was the immediate past Olubule of Ibulesoro,” she added.
A graduate of Microbiology from Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa. Falowo said she is the only daughter of her mother who is the second wife of the late monarch.
“I am the regent by virtue of being the “Aremobinrin” of late Oba Falowo. The tradition of Ibulesoro bestows regency on “Aremobinrin”, she added.
According to her the kingmakers play no role in the appointment of a regent in Ibulesoro, but only select a substantive traditional ruler who must be a male.
The regent said she has been intensifying efforts to see that a new Olubule of Ibulesoro is enthroned.
She added that the process of selection of a new traditional ruler began in June 2019, few months after she became regent.
However, she noted that the contest among princes in the town is hot and called on all stakeholders in the town to allow peace reign, even as she urged the government and all interested parties to allow due process in the selection or the Olubule of Ibulesoro.