The Ekiti State Government has placed the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Williams Adesoye, on probation and under close monitoring over allegations of unruly behaviour and high-handed conduct.
The decision came after sustained agitations by residents calling for his removal over alleged insubordination and authoritarian actions within the community.
The state Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, revealed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, on Friday.
She explained that the meeting was convened to resolve the lingering crisis between Oba Adesoye and members of his community.
Tensions heightened after Oba Adesoye was forced out of the palace, triggering fresh demands by elites and youths for his deposition.
Addressing stakeholders, Afuye appealed for calm, urging aggrieved youths to allow the traditional ruler another chance to amend his conduct.
“What the government wants is peace and nothing but peace. You cannot afford to maintain a hard stand.
“Let us consider development. If you have crisis, progress will be difficult. Let us give peace a chance,” the deputy governor said.
On his part, Oba Adewole said agreements reached included restricting Oba Adesoye from accessing the palace pending a final resolution.
He said the monarch would be placed on probation and made to sign an undertaking of good behaviour, while internal measures address stalled development.
“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 said.
Adewole also warned youths against taking laws into their own hands, stressing that there are established procedures for installing and removing traditional rulers.
He said deposition could only occur through death, proven insubordination, or a court process, adding that any other method would lack legal backing.
Adewole noted that Adesoye had admitted his shortcomings and expressed willingness to make amends, appealing for forgiveness and calm.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the chairman of the Epe Progressive Union, Adebowale Alabi, condemned Adesoye’s “disrespectful and authoritarian actions.”
Alabi praised government intervention, noting that probation and a signed conduct agreement would help moderate Adesoye’s temperament.
