The Ekiti State Government has annulled the installation of Chief Ige Ademiluyi as the Obaorun of Ijan Ekiti in Ayekire Local Government Area, citing irregularities in the selection process.
The state’s deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, announced the decision on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti, emphasising that the enthronement contravened the established traditions of the Ijan Ekiti community.
The Obaorun stool, traditionally filled by a representative from the Ikesan Quarters, is the sixth-ranked position among the nine kingmakers of Ijan Ekiti.
However, the government’s intervention was prompted by a petition from Major Olajide Ijadare, who alleged threats and intimidation over the contentious installation process.
Afuye, after reviewing testimonies from various parties, declared the selection invalid, stating that crucial traditional rites and protocols were disregarded.
“It was wrong for some interested parties in the traditional seat to have been shut out during the selection process. Some traditions were also not observed; this is not acceptable to us in the interest of peace,” she said.
She directed the immediate reversal of Chief Ademiluyi’s installation and ordered the initiation of a new selection process under the supervision of the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi.
The process is expected to involve Ifa divination and visits to sacred sites, as required by tradition.
To ensure transparency, officials from the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, alongside the chairmen of Ayekire and Gbonyin Local Government Areas, will oversee the procedure.
“There is no way we won’t reverse the whole process. The Ifa traditional consultation was the best way to resolve the matter. But under this case, no Ifa consultation was done, no evidence to show this. We have no choice but to reverse his installation and allow the process to begin again. Let whoever has an interest in the family indicate intent to allow peace to reign and for our traditions to be preserved,” Mrs. Afuye added.
In addition, the Deputy Governor ordered the suspension of the monthly stipend for the Obaorun position until a legitimate successor emerges.
During the meeting, Oba Aladesuyi defended Chief Ademiluyi’s installation, asserting that it adhered to traditional protocols. However, he acknowledged the government’s intervention, describing it as timely and promising
