Ekiti State has placed the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Williams Adesoye, on probation following rising tensions in the community over alleged misconduct and authoritarian behavior. The action comes after residents repeatedly called for his deposition, citing insubordination and high-handedness.
The state Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, announced the decision during a stakeholders meeting held at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole. The gathering aimed to address the prolonged dispute between Oba Adesoye and his subjects, which escalated after he was evicted from the palace, sparking renewed demands for his removal.
Afuye urged restraint, emphasizing the importance of peace and development. She appealed to aggrieved youths to allow the traditional ruler an opportunity to correct his conduct. “What the government wants is peace and nothing but peace. Development cannot thrive amid crisis. Let us give peace a chance,” she said.
Oba Adewole outlined that Oba Adesoye would remain away from the palace during his probation and would be required to sign a formal undertaking of good conduct. “During this probation, the government, myself, and the town will be watching him. We pray he changes his ways so his subjects can reconsider their position,” he stated. He also cautioned youths against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that the deposition of a traditional ruler is only valid through death, proven insubordination, or a court process.
Adewole confirmed that Adesoye had acknowledged his mistakes and expressed readiness to make amends. Speaking for the community, the chairman of the Epe Progressive Union, Adebowale Alabi, criticized the monarch’s past actions as disrespectful and authoritarian, but welcomed the government’s intervention, describing probation and the conduct agreement as a means to regulate the ruler’s behavior and restore harmony.
The decision reflects a balance between enforcing accountability and maintaining peace, allowing the Elepe a path to redemption while safeguarding the interests and stability of the Epe-Ekiti community.
