The Ekiti State Government has placed the Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Williams Adesoye, on probation and under watch following prolonged tension between the monarch and his subjects over alleged unruly behaviour and abuse of authority. The decision was taken to calm rising anger in the community and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The intervention came after repeated complaints and agitations by youths and elites of Epe Ekiti, a community in Ijero Local Government Area, who have been calling for the removal of the traditional ruler. The crisis had earlier escalated to the point where Oba Adesoye was reportedly evicted from his palace by aggrieved members of the community.
On Friday, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, led a high-powered delegation of government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders to a meeting held at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole. The meeting was aimed at finding a lasting solution to the lingering disagreement between the monarch and his people.
Speaking during the meeting, Mrs Afuye appealed to the angry youths and community leaders to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance. She said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji was more interested in peace, stability, and development than prolonged disputes that could hold the community back.
“What the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji wants is peace and nothing but peace,” Afuye said. “You can’t afford to maintain a hard stand on this matter. Let us look at the larger picture, which is the development of Epe Ekiti as a component of this state.”
The deputy governor reminded the people that the state government was already executing development projects in Ijero Local Government Area, including road construction in Epe Ekiti. According to her, persistent crisis could discourage development and delay ongoing projects.
“You can see that Governor Oyebanji is executing some projects in Ijero Local Government, including your town. Your road is under construction. Don’t forget that if you have a crisis, it will be difficult for you to progress. Let us give peace a chance,” she urged.
After hours of deliberation, key stakeholders reached resolutions aimed at easing tensions. Announcing the outcome, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adewole, disclosed that Oba Adesoye had been placed on probation and would be closely monitored by the government, traditional authorities, and the community.
As part of the resolutions, the Elepe of Epe Ekiti was restrained from entering his palace pending the final resolution of the crisis. Oba Adewole said the embattled monarch would also be required to sign a formal agreement committing himself to good conduct.
“During this probation time, the government, myself, and the town will be watching him,” the Ajero said. “We pray he changes his ways, so that you, his subjects, can have a change of mind concerning his situation.”
The Ajero appealed to the aggrieved elites and youths to temper justice with mercy and allow peace to return to the community. He stressed that the steps taken were meant to correct the situation, not to shield wrongdoing.
Earlier in his address, Oba Adewole cautioned the youths against taking the law into their hands or assuming powers they do not have. He explained that there are clear legal and traditional procedures for the installation and removal of traditional rulers.
According to him, a monarch can only be removed in three ways: by death, for acts of insubordination as determined by constituted authorities, or through a court of law. He warned that any attempt to forcefully depose a king without government approval was illegal.
“It is only the government and the court that can remove Oba Adesoye,” Oba Adewole said. “You have two options now. Either you take him to court or you report his misbehaviour to the government for proper disciplinary action. Government won’t fold its hands and allow you to demean monarchy or cause crisis for the state.”
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mr Ojo Atibioke, also appealed for calm. He warned that continued unrest could threaten development efforts in the town, particularly the ongoing road project.
Atibioke noted that Ekiti State has about 140 component towns spread across its three senatorial districts. He cautioned that a crisis in one community could easily spread and become difficult to manage.
“Any uprising or unrest can affect not just this town, but the entire state,” he said. “We must be careful and protect the peace we currently enjoy.”
Speaking on behalf of the Epe Ekiti community, the National Chairman of the Epe Progressive Union, Prince Adebowale Alabi, said the people’s agitation was not personal but based on concern over the monarch’s conduct.
He accused Oba Adesoye of disrespectful and authoritarian actions, which he said were against the traditions, customs, and values of the community. However, Alabi welcomed the intervention of the state government and the Ajero, saying it showed concern for peace and fairness.
Alabi added that placing the monarch on probation and making him sign a good conduct agreement was a step in the right direction. According to him, the community believed the king’s behaviour could only change if he was properly monitored.
The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of Ijero Local Government, Chief Abayomi Folowosele; traditional rulers from neighbouring communities; Permanent Secretaries from the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs; and other community leaders.
The Ekiti State Government expressed hope that the measures taken would restore calm in Epe Ekiti and allow development to continue without disruption. For now, the probation placed on the Elepe of Epe Ekiti stands as a warning and an opportunity for reconciliation, as all parties await a final resolution to the crisis.