Ekiti govt moves to stop deposition of monarch, urges peace
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The Ekiti State Government has stepped in to halt the planned deposition and banishment of the Elepe of Epe, Oba Williams Adesoye, following unrest in the community over his leadership style.
The intervention was led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, during a mediation meeting in Ado-Ekiti, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje.
The crisis began weeks ago after youths, reportedly backed by some elites, protested and forced the monarch out of the town over allegations of high-handedness and conduct deemed contrary to tradition.
Afuye appealed to the aggrieved residents to forgive the monarch and give him another opportunity to make amends, stressing that peace and stability were critical to development.
She directed both factions to meet within seven days at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, to resolve the dispute and restore harmony.
The deputy governor also urged the reopening of the palace, warning the monarch to be more accommodating, reconcile with opposing chiefs, and return disputed farmlands to their rightful owners.
Responding, Oba Adesoye apologised to the community and pledged to change, while Oba Adewole and other government officials cautioned that deposing the monarch could hinder the town’s development.
