avoided. Some people are already watching closely and are eager to exploit any procedural error to go to court.

“To properly commence the process, the ruling house must first formally notify the local government of its readiness. The local government will then write to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which will authorise the commencement of the selection process.

“The meeting was chaired by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Given that the Awujale’s installation has remained unchanged for the past 65 years, it is understandable that some officials may not be fully familiar with the procedure. This is unlike other communities where such installations have occurred several times within the same period.”