The attention of concerned indigenes of Aisegba-Ekiti has been drawn to the unfortunate and embarrassing incident that occurred today at the palace of the Olode of Ode-Ekiti during the grassroots campaign gathering of the administration of Biodun Oyebanji under the BAO Till 2030 movement.
As obtainable in previous local government visits across the state, His Excellency was scheduled to first hold a meeting with traditional rulers within the host local government area before proceeding to the larger political gathering. Present at the meeting venue were royal fathers, government officials, political office holders, and stakeholders from across Ayekire Local Government Area and Gbonyin LCDA.
Shockingly, the duly recognized Regent and prescribed authority of Aisegba-Ekiti, High Chief Bodunde Eegunjobi, was publicly humiliated, rejected, and forcefully denied participation at the palace meeting allegedly at the instance of Teju Okuyiga and with the support of some members of the Ayekire Traditional Council.
It must be clearly stated that High Chief Bodunde Eegunjobi remains the officially recognized Regent and prescribed authority of Aisegba-Ekiti following the transition of the late Apalufin of Aisegba-Ekiti. His appointment followed due traditional procedures and governmental approval in line with the customs, traditions, and extant laws guiding the Aisegba-Ekiti monarchy.
The lingering hostility against the Regent is widely believed to be connected to the earlier regency dispute involving Hon. Teju Okuyiga, daughter of the late monarch, who reportedly desired to occupy the regency position. However, the Kingmakers, acting in accordance with tradition and existing legal provisions, installed High Chief Bodunde Eegunjobi as Regent, maintaining the long-established customary process recognized in Aisegba-Ekiti.
It is deeply disturbing that a serving lawmaker representing the people at the Ekiti State House of Assembly would openly engage in actions capable of ridiculing and destabilizing the traditional institution of her own community before the public and political audience.
Present during the unfortunate incident were:
– Dare AJAYI (Chairman Gbonyin LCDA)
– Davis Adeoye Adeyemo (Chairman, Ayekire LGA)
– Ladis Ayegboka (Commissioner at Ekiti Teaching Services Commission)
– Members of the Ayekire Traditional Council
– Aisegba Chiefs including Chief Sesan Ogunleye (Odofin) and Chief Omotayo Akintade (Oloro)
It took the timely intervention and maturity of the accompanying chiefs and concerned Aisegba indigenes to prevent a breakdown of law and order, as many youths and supporters felt deeply insulted by the treatment meted out to their Regent.
We therefore urgently call on:
– The Government of Ekiti State
– Traditional institutions across Ekiti
– Political leaders and stakeholders
– All sons and daughters of Aisegba-Ekiti
to prevail on Hon. Teju Okuyiga and all parties involved to desist from further acts capable of disparaging, humiliating, or undermining the office of the Regent and the authority of the Apalufin-in-Council during this sensitive period of interregnum.
Aisegba-Ekiti remains a community known for honor, culture, and respect for traditional authority. Personal grievances and pending legal disputes should never be allowed to degenerate into public disrespect for constituted traditional leadership.
We appeal for peace, restraint, and mutual respect in the overall interest of unity, progress, and the preservation of our cherished heritage.
Signed:
Concerned Indigenes and Stakeholders of Aisegba-Ekiti
