EKITI – Elected chiefs of Itapa-Ekiti Oye Local Government Area are reportedly boycotting palace activities in protest of alleged high handedness of the town’s monarch, the Owatapa of Itapa-Ekiti, Oba David Ajaja.
According to reports, the traditional rulers accused Oba Ajaja of assaulting another traditional ruler, the Elemo of Itapa-Ekiti chief Samuel Osasona, during the contested installation ceremony of the towns high priest
The incident which happened on march 18th, was eventually made public when chief Osasona along with other traditonal rulers, decided to speak to newsmen alleging that Oba Ajala was trying to install a high priest for the town without following due traditional process
Osasona further said “I was slapped by the Kabiyesi during our meeting on March 18 when the issues of a new chief priest was being discussed. Our traditional ruler was saying he will install a new person as chief priest even though we have someone at the position which was recognized by the community.
” But due to the allegations that the person was not loyal or doing his biddings, he wants to replace him and I objected at the meeting, which made him to assault me in front of other chiefs.”
Also voicing discontent was chief Abiodun Onipede, a member of the council of chiefs, who felt disappointed with the threatening behaviour of Oba Ajaja. chief Onipede called on the states Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye and other relevant authorities of the state to step in for the interest of peace
Onipede said, ” We are calling on the state government to save us from our traditional ruler. He is even threatening chiefs that are opposed to him with deposition, telling us as High Chief that we are minor chiefs that we are not that important.
” Already, we have submitted a petition at the office of the commissioner of police and equally office of the deputy governor.“
As at press time. Oba Ajaja was said to be unreachable on phone as he is believed to have travelled abroad
SOURCE: The nation
IMAGE: News express nigeria
