The Ekiti State Government has officially denied claims that it granted permission to Chief Sunday Atolaju, the Ororin of Irorin Quarters in Ilawe Ekiti, to wear a beaded crown, which is traditionally reserved for recognized monarchs.
Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye made this clarification on Monday while mediating in a chieftaincy dispute between the Alawe-in-Council and Chief Atolaju. The controversy erupted after Oba Adebanji Alabi, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, filed a petition accusing Chief Atolaju of parading himself with a beaded crown and staff of office during a cultural festival.
"To the best of my knowledge, Governor Oyebanji has not granted autonomy to any town since inception on October 16, 2022, so no Chief can claim that this government had given him the right to wear beaded crowns as he deems fit," Afuye stated through her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that only statutory and recognized kings presiding over full-fledged autonomous communities can enjoy such privileges according to Ekiti State law. She directed Chief Atolaju, who was notably absent during the mediation meeting, to make peace with the monarch in the interest of maintaining harmony in Ilawe town.
"This government being steered by Governor Oyebanji will never lord any Chief over any traditional ruler. We have respect for traditional rulers and traditional institutions. Chief Atolaju should go back to Alawe and make peace with him," Afuye directed.
Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atibioke, reinforced the government's position, stating that by laws, norms, and practices, chiefs are under the prescribed authorities of traditional rulers, not the other way around. He appealed to the community to handle the matter with tact and civility, considering that all parties involved are indigenes and closely related.
Meanwhile, representatives of the monarch, including Chief Gbenga Agbona, the Elemo of Oke-Emo, requested government approval for the immediate suspension of Chief Atolaju to serve as a deterrent to others who might attempt similar actions.
"We can't continue to fight till eternity. Our humble request is that the state government should give us the approval to suspend him, even if it is for just six months, so that he can learn how to respect authority," Chief Agbona stated.
The government's intervention aims to forestall any chieftaincy tussle that could potentially escalate into division, violence, and bloodshed in the community.
