The Ekiti State Government has placed the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Williams Adesoye, on probation following allegations of high-handedness and unruly conduct in his community. The move comes after persistent complaints from residents demanding his removal due to alleged authoritarian behavior.
Deputy Governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye announced the decision during a stakeholders meeting at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, on Friday. She said the gathering aimed to resolve the ongoing dispute between Oba Adesoye and his subjects.
Tensions escalated when Oba Adesoye was temporarily evicted from his palace, sparking calls from community elites and youths for his deposition. Afuye urged the community to exercise restraint and allow the traditional ruler an opportunity to amend his conduct. “What the government wants is peace and nothing but peace. Let us give peace a chance,” she said.
Oba Adewole stated that the Elepe would remain on probation and sign an undertaking of good conduct while internal mechanisms address stalled development. “During this probation, the government, myself, and the town will be monitoring him. We pray he changes his ways so his subjects can reconsider their position,” Adewole added.
He also cautioned youths against taking the law into their own hands, noting that deposition of a traditional ruler can only occur through death, proven insubordination, or a legal process. Adewole said Oba Adesoye has acknowledged his mistakes and is willing to make amends.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Epe Progressive Union chairman, Adebowale Alabi, criticized Oba Adesoye’s “disrespectful and authoritarian actions” but welcomed the government’s intervention, describing probation and the conduct agreement as measures to regulate the ruler’s behavior. (NAN)
