The Ekiti State Government has placed the Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Williams Adesoye, on probation following allegations of high-handedness and conduct deemed unbecoming of a traditional ruler.
The decision was reached after the Deputy Governor, Okinlua Monisade Afuye, led a delegation of stakeholders to the palace of the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti to mediate in the protracted dispute between the monarch and his subjects.
The intervention, initiated by the state government, was aimed at resolving persistent demands by residents of the community in Ijero Local Government Area for the removal of Oba Adesoye from the throne.
The embattled monarch has been embroiled in a prolonged confrontation with community elites and other residents, which led to his temporary ejection from the palace over conduct allegedly at variance with the customs and traditions of Epe Ekiti.
Addressing aggrieved members of the community, Afuye appealed to them to give the traditional ruler an opportunity to reform.
Announcing the resolutions from a closed-door session, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, stated that Oba Adesoye would be barred from the palace until the dispute was fully settled.
He disclosed that the monarch would remain on probation and would be required to sign an undertaking committing himself to proper conduct.
Oba Adewole noted that the Elepe had acknowledged his errors and expressed willingness to correct them promptly.
In a call for calm, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, cautioned residents against actions that could precipitate disorder in the town.
Contributing to the discussions, the National President of Epe Progressive Union, Prince Adebowale Alabi, said the community objected to the monarch’s alleged disrespect and autocratic tendencies.
Alabi commended the state government and the Ajero for their sustained efforts in brokering peace in Epe Ekiti.