The Ekiti State Government has stopped the monthly salary of a monarch, the Obasaoye of Isaoye Ekiti, Gabriel Olajide, for abandoning his royal duties and residing outside the town for about 3 years.
The Deputy Governor Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi gave the directive on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during a meeting he held with the monarch, chiefs, and other stakeholders from the community who petitioned the state government over the monarch’s conduct.
A statement from the office of the Deputy Governor said the meeting was summoned following receipt of a security report from the Department of State Services (DSS) on the likelihood of violence over a conflict between the Oba and his chiefs who had accused him of highhandedness and disrespect for the town’s tradition.
The aggrieved chiefs accused the monarch of abandoning the community since ascending the throne in 2017 despite the government’s directive.
They also demanded his dethronement accusing him of sponsoring attacks on his subjects, violation of the town’s cultural heritage, destruction of the shrines and artifacts, using the police to harass his subjects, and refusal to participate in cultural and traditional practices which he claimed are against his faith.
The Deputy Governor expressed displeasure over the monarch’s conduct, wondering how he would collect salaries for services not rendered.
“You know I told you since 2018 that if you prefer your Police duty to the throne, the choice is yours, You were enthroned as the king of your town and you have not stayed in that town for the past three years”.
The Deputy Governor however declined the community’s request for Oba Olajide’s dethronement.
“You said you can’t perform sacrifices and participate in rituals. If you can’t do it, you will have problems with your people. This government does not want your town to dethrone you.”
In his short response, Oba Olajide reportedly admitted that he had abandoned his domain for the fear of the unknown.
