The government of Ekiti State, led by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has taken the significant step of placing the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Williams Adesoye, on probation and adding him to a watch list. This decisive action, announced on Friday, January 16, 2026, stems from serious allegations of unruly conduct and authoritarian behaviour levelled against the traditional ruler by his subjects.
Allegations and Eviction Precede Government Action
The decision follows prolonged disputes and agitations within the Epe-Ekiti community. Residents, including elites and youths, had persistently called for the deposition of Oba Adesoye, accusing him of insubordination and high-handedness. The tensions escalated to the point where the monarch was evicted from his palace, a move that underscored the depth of the rift between the ruler and his people.
The state's Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, officially disclosed the government's position during a stakeholders' meeting held at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole. Afuye explained that the probationary measure was a direct response to the persistent appeals from community members seeking the monarch's removal.
A Call for Peace and a Chance for Amends
In her address, Deputy Governor Afuye appealed for calm and understanding, emphasizing the government's primary desire for peace and development. "What the government wants is peace and nothing but peace. You cannot afford to maintain a hardstand," she stated. She urged the aggrieved youths to consider the community's progress, noting that crisis hinders development, and appealed for peace to be given a chance.
Following the meeting, Oba Joseph Adewole provided further details on the resolution. He confirmed that Oba Adesoye would be placed on probation and required to sign a formal undertaking of good conduct. Notably, Oba Adewole revealed that the Elepe had acknowledged his mistakes and expressed a readiness to make amends. As part of the interim settlement, resolutions were made to restrain Oba Adesoye from the palace pending a final resolution.
"During this probation, the government, I, and the town will be watching him," Oba Adewole said. "We pray he changes his ways so his subjects can reconsider their position."
A Pattern of Tension in the Region
This incident in Ekiti State occurs against a backdrop of similar tensions between communities and their traditional leaders in southwestern Nigeria. The news report references two other recent incidents: one in Ondo State where a monarch, his wife, and son were beaten by angry youths during a New Yam festival, and another in Osun State where a newly installed Oba was attacked by community youths over a disputed appointment.
The action by the Ekiti State government represents a formal, administrative intervention aimed at de-escalating conflict without immediately resorting to deposition. It places the onus on the traditional ruler to reform his conduct and reconcile with his community while under the close supervision of both the government and community stakeholders. The outcome of this probationary period will be closely watched as a test of conflict resolution within traditional institutions.
