The Ekiti State Government has placed Oba Williams Adesoye, the Elepe of Epe- Ekiti, under probation and on an observatory watch list due to accusations of disorderly conduct and high-handedness.
This measure follows continuous protests from the local populace who have called for his ouster, citing his alleged inability to respect authority and dictatorial governance in the community.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, made this announcement during a meeting with stakeholders at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, on Friday.
She explained that the gathering aimed to tackle the ongoing conflict between Oba Adesoye and his community members.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), tensions rose after the monarch was removed from the palace, leading to intensified demands from local leaders and youths for his dismissal.
During the meeting, Afuye called for calm, urging dissatisfied youths to provide the traditional ruler a chance to amend his behaviour.
"What the government seeks is peace, simply peace. We must not remain steadfast in our anger.
"Let's prioritize development; ongoing conflict hampers advancement. We must allow peace to prevail," stated the deputy governor.
Oba Adewole mentioned that part of the resolutions included temporarily restricting Oba Adesoye from palace access until a final resolution is attained.
He emphasized that the beleaguered traditional ruler would be placed on probation and expected to sign a good conduct agreement, while internal processes work towards addressing halted progress.
"Throughout this probationary period, the government, myself, and the community will be monitoring him closely.
"We hope he will amend his practices so that his constituents may rethink their stance on him," he remarked.
Adewole also warned the youth against resorting to vigilante justice, reiterating the processes in place for installing or deposing traditional monarchs.
He clarified that a deposition can only happen through death, verified insubordination, or judicial proceedings; otherwise, such removal lacks legitimacy.
The traditional ruler acknowledged his errors and expressed his willingness to make amends, requesting forgiveness and peace.
Adebowale Alabi, representing the Epe Progressive Union, represented community sentiment by condemning Adesoye’s "disrespectful and autocratic behaviours."
Alabi praised the governmental steps taken, asserting that the probation and a signed conduct agreement would assist in managing Adesoye’s behaviour.
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