Oba
Gabriel Olajide, the traditional ruler of Isaoye Ekiti in Moba Local
Government Area of Ekiti and his subjects are at war over his opposition
to certain traditional rites.According to The News, The allegations
levelled against the monarch by the community’s chiefs and indigenes
included high handedness, incessant harassment of subjects using the
police and non-performance of traditional rites, claiming to be a
`born-again Christian. He was also accused of inflicting injuries on his
subjects during a traditional ceremony.Other allegations included the
destruction of Ifa symbols and instruments of installation, absconding
from the community and cancellation of the meetings of chiefs.Meanwhile,
the Ekiti Government has issued a two-month ultimatum to Oba Olajide to
reconcile with some of his aggrieved subjects.The state’s Deputy
Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi who made the position of government known
at a meeting with a delegation from the community on Thursday, also
appealed to the people to give peace a chance.He said the monarch should
act fast within the two-month timeframe to prevent a possible breakdown
of law and order in the community.The deputy governor also gave the
stakeholders in the community up till Feb. 28, 2019 to resolve their
differences with the monarch, saying the state government was committed
to ensuring peace in Isaoye and other communities in the state.Egbeyemi,
who said the state government had no intention of deposing any monarch,
advised Olajide to listen to his subjects and respect the tradition and
culture of the community.Egbeyemi, however, said in spite of the
existence of extant chief laws governing the conduct of traditional
rulers, the state government would continue to guide against any clamour
that could truncate the peace of any community.While reacting to
Olajide’s alleged refusal to respect the tradition of his community,
Egbeyemi said:“You that accepted to be king should know that there are
traditions that needed to be observed. There is nothing good about all
that was reported about you. I see no reason why you should go against
your people, I am directing you now, go and do what they ask you to do.
You have till the end of February. If you cannot follow the path of
peace and secure the interest of your people, everything is left to
you.“I cannot depose you and I cannot ask them to depose you, mine is to
ensure that there is peace in your community. We cannot force you on
them, you have been given the chance to make amendments and redeem your
image in your own interestDon’t go on a journey of self-destruction. If
you claim that you are serving God, we are all serving God, you cannot
be more Catholic than the Pope. I will not support that a king be
deposed, I plead with you Kabiyesi to go and make peace with the people
of your town."Olajide, (pictured) however, denied the allegations,
claiming that he was passionate about moving the community forward.But
while advancing reasons for his opposition to certain rites, he claimed
that Isaoye had remained underdeveloped as a result of observance of
certain practices. You can't be more Catholic than the Pope" - Ekiti community battles their 'born again Christian" King over non-performance of traditional rites
Oba
Gabriel Olajide, the traditional ruler of Isaoye Ekiti in Moba Local
Government Area of Ekiti and his subjects are at war over his opposition
to certain traditional rites.According to The News, The allegations
levelled against the monarch by the community’s chiefs and indigenes
included high handedness, incessant harassment of subjects using the
police and non-performance of traditional rites, claiming to be a
`born-again Christian. He was also accused of inflicting injuries on his
subjects during a traditional ceremony.Other allegations included the
destruction of Ifa symbols and instruments of installation, absconding
from the community and cancellation of the meetings of chiefs.Meanwhile,
the Ekiti Government has issued a two-month ultimatum to Oba Olajide to
reconcile with some of his aggrieved subjects.The state’s Deputy
Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi who made the position of government known
at a meeting with a delegation from the community on Thursday, also
appealed to the people to give peace a chance.He said the monarch should
act fast within the two-month timeframe to prevent a possible breakdown
of law and order in the community.The deputy governor also gave the
stakeholders in the community up till Feb. 28, 2019 to resolve their
differences with the monarch, saying the state government was committed
to ensuring peace in Isaoye and other communities in the state.Egbeyemi,
who said the state government had no intention of deposing any monarch,
advised Olajide to listen to his subjects and respect the tradition and
culture of the community.Egbeyemi, however, said in spite of the
existence of extant chief laws governing the conduct of traditional
rulers, the state government would continue to guide against any clamour
that could truncate the peace of any community.While reacting to
Olajide’s alleged refusal to respect the tradition of his community,
Egbeyemi said:“You that accepted to be king should know that there are
traditions that needed to be observed. There is nothing good about all
that was reported about you. I see no reason why you should go against
your people, I am directing you now, go and do what they ask you to do.
You have till the end of February. If you cannot follow the path of
peace and secure the interest of your people, everything is left to
you.“I cannot depose you and I cannot ask them to depose you, mine is to
ensure that there is peace in your community. We cannot force you on
them, you have been given the chance to make amendments and redeem your
image in your own interestDon’t go on a journey of self-destruction. If
you claim that you are serving God, we are all serving God, you cannot
be more Catholic than the Pope. I will not support that a king be
deposed, I plead with you Kabiyesi to go and make peace with the people
of your town."Olajide, (pictured) however, denied the allegations,
claiming that he was passionate about moving the community forward.But
while advancing reasons for his opposition to certain rites, he claimed
that Isaoye had remained underdeveloped as a result of observance of
certain practices. 
