No fewer than 15 contestants have so far indicated interest in becoming the Etsu Patigi in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara.
Saheed Habeeb, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, disclosed this to News Agency of Nigeria in llorin on Monday.
The development became imperative following the death of the former Etsu Patigi, lbrahim Chatta-Umar, on March 20 at the age of 69.
He said the 15 contestants, who are from various clans in Patigi, submitted their applications to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The commissioner said the ministry was still receiving applications to give all interested applicants ample opportunity to contest.
Mr Habeeb said the ministry had forwarded the names of those who applied to the Patigi kingmakers for the screening exercise aimed at selecting an acceptable candidate.
The commissioner said the kingmakers after the screening were expected to present three names to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed for final appointment as new Etsu Patigi.
Mr Habeeb, who described the ongoing selection process as hitch free, however, appealed to those who might lose out to accept this as an act of God.
The late Etsu Patigi, a chartered accountant, ruled for 19 years and 10 months.
NAN
