Traditional chiefs in Itapa-Ekiti Oye Local Government Area have begun indefinite boycott of all palace activities in protest against the alleged high-handedness by the Owatapa of Itapa-Ekiti Oba David Ajaja.

The chiefs accused the traditional ruler of assaulting the Elemo of Itapa-Ekiti, Chief Samuel Osasona during a meeting over issues relating to the installation of a new chief priest for the community.

Addressing newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital in company of about 14 other chiefs, Chief Osasona alleged that he was assaulted by the traditional ruler for objecting to his plan of installing new chief priest without recourse to the laid down tradition of the community.

He explained that the traditional ruler lacked the sole authority to replace the incumbent chief priest, Chief Ilesanmi Osanyigbemi without approval by the council of chiefs.

Osasona alleged that the assault on him which happened on March 18, 2024 had made the majority of the chiefs to boycott activities at the palace till further notice.

He said: ” I was slapped by the Kabiyesi during our meeting on March 18 when the issues of a new chief priest was being discussed.Our traditional ruler was saying he will install a new person as chief priest even though we have someone at the position which was recognized by the community.

” But due to the allegations that the person was not loyal or doing his biddings, he wants to replace him and I objected at the meeting, which made him to assault me in front of other chiefs.”

Also speaking, Chief Abiodun Onipede noted that the recent actions of the traditional ruler had made them to petition the state deputy governor, Chief Monisade Afuye and other relevant authorities to prevail on Oba Ajaja to rule with dignity in the interest of peace in the community.

According to him, the traditional ruler was threatening to depose any chiefs oppose to him, adding that this development might affect the progress and development of the community.

Onipede said, ” We are calling on the state government to save us from our traditional ruler. He is even threatening chiefs that are opposed to him with deposition, telling us as High Chief that we are minor chiefs that we are not that important.

” Already, we have submitted a petition at the office of the commissioner of police and equally office of the deputy governor. “

Efforts to get the reaction of Oba Ajaja was not successful as his telephone numbers were not connecting. He was said to be out of the country.

However, speaking on behalf of the traditional ruler, the Olominio of Itapa-Ekiti, Chief Folorunsho Ogunleye denied knowledge of alleged assault on the chief by the Owatapa of Itapa-Ekiti.

He disagreed with his colleagues for abandoning the palace in protest against the monarch, urging them to retrace their steps in the interest of peace in the community.

Ogunleye disclosed that the traditional ruler is out of the country at the moment, expressing optimism that upon his return all contentious issues would be soon resolved. (The Nation)

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