Ekiti Obas Chairmanship: Monarchs Take Legal Action

Sequel to the appointment of the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, as the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Obas, some aggrieved monarchs had gone to court seeking the nullification of the action taken by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The 16 most prominent monarchs called ‘Pelupelu Obas’ described the action taken by Governor Fayemi picking someone outside the 16 Obas called ‘Alademerindinlogin’ to occupy the exalted seat, as a flagrant violation of the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.

Governor Fayemi had two weeks ago appointed Oba Alabi as the new Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Obas to serve for a period of two years following the expiration of the tenure of Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju.

Joined in the suit are Governor Kayode Fayemi, 1st defendant, Attorney General of Ekiti State, Mr Wale Fapohunda and Oba Adebanji Alabi.

An originating summon filed by Dr. B.A.M. Ajibade, SAN, last Wednesday and deposed to by the Ajero, Oba Joseph Adewole, on behalf of other 15 Obas, sought an interlocutory injunction restraining Governor Fayemi from swearing in Alawe as the Chairman of the Council.

In a letter earlier written to the Governor in August 2 and signed by 15 Pelupelu Obas with the exception of Oore of Otun, Oba Adedapo Popoola, who traveled abroad, the monarchs told Dr Fayemi to reverse the action, saying a court had earlier struck out a suit filed by five monarchs who were promoted to Pelupelu and seeking recognition of that status.

They said the promotion of Alawe, Olosi, Olojudo (Ido Ile), Arajaka and Oluyin to that Pelupelu rank by government , was an erosion of the tradition, saying all the appointments were done in violation of the tradition and existing laws.

The Royal fathers opposed to the appointment and threatened to boycott the inauguration of Alawe as Council Chairman and any meeting of the Council where he presides.

Kayode.