The people of Iworoko-Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, at the weekend, took to the streets to demand the selection and appointment of new traditional ruler for the community.
The stool of Alaworoko of Iworoko-Ekiti became vacant following the death of Oba Michael Olufemi Aladejana on January 16, 2020.
The people, comprising youths and the aged, with placards bearing different inscriptions, expressed regret over the delay in the appointment of the new monarch.
They said the development was having adverse negative effect on the community, with increase in death of youths and lack of meaningful progress.
They accused one of the lineages within the ruling house of frustrating the appointment of new traditional ruler with the lingering court cases, and gave the affected family fourteen days ultimatum to withdraw the suit.
The peaceful demonstration affected vehicular movement as many motorists going to Ifaki-Ekiti and those approaching Ado-Ekiti were left stranded for several hours.
Some of the placards read, ‘All we are saying give us our king’ ; No to court case, we need our Oba’ ; Iworoko-Ekiti appreciate the state govt in selection process’ among others.
Addressing newsmen during the protest at the market square, the community’s youth leader, Emmanuel Ogunturoti said frantic efforts by the leaders in the community to prevail on the family to discontinue the law suit have been constantly ignored.
He lauded the roles being played by the State government to ensure that peace and fairness reigned supreme in the selection process, adding that no single family can lord itself over other ruling lineages.
According to him, “We are giving them 14 days to withdraw the suit. After the ultimatum, if the family fails to do the needful, we will mobilise ourselves against them and that might not be palatable.”
Also speaking, the President of Iworoko Progressive Union (IPU) Mr Taju Fatayo emphasized the need for the suit, which is currently before the Appeal Court, to be discontinued.