Naijahood
The Ekiti State Government has annulled the installation of Chief Ige Ademiluyi as the Obaorun of Ijan Ekiti, citing irregularities in the selection and enthronement process. The Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, made the announcement on Tuesday after meeting with stakeholders from the community in Ado Ekiti.
The annulment followed a petition by Major Olajide Ijadare, who raised concerns of intimidation and threats against him by some prominent chiefs due to the crisis surrounding the selection of a new Obaorun. Afuye, after reviewing testimonies from key figures, concluded that the process had violated traditional practices and procedures, particularly the lack of an Ifa consultation, which is a crucial aspect of the selection process in Ijan Ekiti.
In her ruling, the Deputy Governor directed the reversal of Chief Ademiluyi’s installation and ordered that a fresh selection process begin. This process will involve all interested parties, proper Ifa consultations, and visits to sacred places as required by tradition. Afuye emphasized the need for transparency and inclusiveness in the new selection to ensure peace and adherence to customs.
Additionally, the Deputy Governor instructed the suspension of Chief Ademiluyi’s monthly stipend until the new process is completed.
While the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, defended the initial selection process, he accepted the government’s intervention, stressing that the community would follow the directive for the sake of peace. However, other members of the community, including Chief Ropo Adesanya and Kingmaker Chief James Dada, criticized the initial process, asserting that it had not followed proper procedures and violated sacred traditions.
The Ekiti government’s intervention aims to resolve the conflict and ensure that traditional practices are upheld in the selection of the new Obaorun.
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