Ekiti State Government has instructed that the Eleese of Ilara Quarters in Ilamo Ekiti, Chief Ezekiel Alayode Olanipekun remains a Chief under the Alamo of Alamo, Oba Adebayo Awoseyila.
The State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi made the announcement during a peace meeting in his office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital with the duo and some Chiefs from Ikole Ekiti.
The State Deputy Governor who
supervise Chieftaincy matters in the State said government’s resolution became expedient following claims and counter claims on the Chieftaincy title, its holder and domain.
He explained that according to the evidence presented to him through the State Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, which included the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Declaration Law, official gazette of Ilamo Ekiti, as well as pictures of traditional rites performed on Eleese, Chief Olanipekun, remains in Ilamo Ekiti and second in command to Oba Awoseyila.
Otunba Egbeyemi also backed the decision through a copy of an High Court verdict on the issue which ruled that Elese is under Alamo.
The Deputy Governor said government would not fold its arms and allow a peaceful community be in chaos urging the Chief to work with the Oba for the overall development of the town.
Earlier, Chief Olanipekun had aligned his Chieftaincy title with Ikole Ekiti, the claim which some chiefs from Elekole’s palace came to explain
Otunba Egbeyemi however maintained government’s position saying with the facts submitted to the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, the said Chief should maintain the status quo.
He also warned against any other person installed as Eleese as government recognizes only Chief Ezekiel Olanipekun as the true holder of the Chieftaincy title.