Ekiti govt wades into Aisegba chieftaincy crisis as Apalufin, Quarter Heads clash

Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ekiti State Government has mediated the chieftaincy tussle in Aisegba-Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government, cautioning against illegal installation and promotion of chiefs.

It urged the Apalufin of Aisegba, Oba Adeyanju Omotoyinbo, to respect tradition, which gives quarters’ heads the authority to install their chiefs.

The decision followed petitions from the Alasura of Asura Quarters, Chief Thomas Anifowose, and the Aduro of Aduro Quarters, Chief Abiola Omoniyi, who accused the monarch of usurping their roles and elevating chiefs to kingmaker status.

Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, in a statement by her media aide Victor Ogunje, appealed for peace.

She said, “I plead with Apalufin-in-Council to allow quarters’ heads to install their own chiefs since this practice has been operated for ages. But Kabiyesi should write on whatever certificate is to be presented to any new Chief installed at the quarter level that they are under him.

“It is only in peace, unity and love that you can progress. Before the installation of any Chief, they must seek Kabiyesi’s consent and approval. After the installation, they should go and seek his blessing; this is how to show respect and honour to traditional rulers.

“Don’t fight over issues that can be resolved easily within you. We are not trying to rob Kabiyesi of the right of being the prescribed authority; we are only trying to preserve traditions and prevent crisis in his town. You need peace to develop; you should be aware of this.”

Mrs Afuye dismissed the petition on the arbitrary promotion of chiefs, saying the government recognises only 13 kingmakers in line with the chieftaincy declaration.

But Oba Omotoyinbo, represented by Chief Adefemi Adekola Awe, maintained that only the monarch has the authority to install chiefs, warning that quarters’ heads usurping such powers undermines tradition.