Ekiti community rejects monarch’s appointment
Indigenes of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State have opposed the appointment of a new Obanla, alleging due process was not followed in the selection and
Indigenes of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State have opposed the appointment of a new Obanla, alleging due process was not followed in the selection and approval of the monarch.
The community leaders accused the state government of allegedly colluding with certain interests to install David Ateji as Obanla of Ijesa-Isu, in violation of the subsisting chieftaincy declaration.
Speaking on behalf of the community, a leader, Elder Omoyele Ajobiewe, said the 2012 Chieftaincy Declaration governing the Obanla stool recognised only the Ojikutu Ruling House as entitled to present candidates, adding that the stool was not rotational.
He said the declaration, which was duly executed and gazetted, remained valid and had neither been amended nor nullified by any court.
He alleged that qualified contestants from Ojikutu Ruling House were excluded from the selection process, while a sole candidate was presented under what they described as the “Omotoyo Ruling House,” which they said was unknown to the existing declaration.
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He further claimed that the traditional consultation with the Ifa oracle, regarded as a crucial component of the customary selection process, was not properly conducted, thereby undermining legal and spiritual legitimacy of the exercise.
The community leader said despite the subsisting suit filed as Suit No. HCL/33/2025 on December 9, 2025, the state government went ahead to approve and appoint a new Obanla.
Ajobiewe said relevant parties, including representatives of the state government, had been duly served and had entered appearance in the matter before the approval was announced.
“In spite of the ongoing court case, the State Executive Council proceeded to approve and appoint a new monarch. Such action, while the matter is pending before a competent court of jurisdiction, amounts to contempt of court and clear disobedience to the rule of law.”
He expressed concern that installation rites began, notwithstanding the ongoing court proceedings, describing the action as a disregard for the rule of law and capable of undermining public confidence in the judicial process.
He lamented that the development had polarised the community, with families and elders divided over the chieftain cycle matter obaship, alleging that some kingmakers were being pressured to proceed with the installation despite unresolved legal and customary issues.
He, however, urged the government to respect subsisting 2012 Chieftaincy Declaration and allow the court to determine the legality of the process, insisting that the legitimacy of the Obanla stool must be anchored on lawful lineage, due process and adherence to established tradition.
But, the state government denied the allegations of wrongdoing, insisting that the process leading to the approval of the Obanla-Elect followed laid-down procedures.
A government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak officially on the matter, said the approval was carried out in line with recommendations forwarded to the government and in accordance with relevant laws guiding chieftaincy matters in the state.
