Ekiti govt places monarch on probation over alleged misconduct

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ekiti State Government has placed the Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Williams Adesoye, on probation and added him to a watchlist following repeated agitations by his subjects over alleged high-handedness and unruly conduct.

The decision was announced on Friday after a meeting led by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, where stakeholders sought to resolve the lingering dispute between the monarch and his community.

Oba Adesoye had clashed repeatedly with local elites and residents, resulting in his temporary eviction from the palace amid calls for his outright removal from the throne over alleged tyranny.

Speaking to youths and community leaders, Mrs Afuye appealed for calm, urging them to allow the monarch a chance to amend his conduct. She emphasised that the government’s focus is on peace and community development, noting ongoing infrastructure projects in the area.

Following a closed-door discussion, Oba Adewole announced that Oba Adesoye would remain on probation and sign an agreement to uphold good conduct.

Oba Adewole reminded residents that traditional rulers can only be removed through death, insubordination, or a court ruling, stressing that the community lacked the legal authority to depose Oba Adesoye unilaterally. He added that the monarch had acknowledged his mistakes and was willing to make amends.

The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, warned that continued unrest could derail development projects, particularly road construction in Epe.