A socio-political group in Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, “Save Ikole Group,” has expressed concern over the long absence of Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Adewumi Fasiku, from the town.
Their concern was expressed in a letter written and addressed to the Governor, his Deputy, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dated September 11th, with the heading, “Request for intervention in the matter of the long-time absence of Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti from the town.”
It was signed by: Hon. Segun Adelugba, Chief Alaba Olanipekun, Mr Benjamin Fatoye, Mr Mathew Makinde, Mr Laisi Oguntuase, Mr Funso Oguntuase, Mr Tope Famoroti, Mr Ademola Ogunjobi and Prince Taiwo Olominu
The group pleaded with the state government to depose the traditional ruler of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Adewumi Fasiku, alleging that the royal father has been incapacitated by illness for over two years.
It was further alleged that the royal father has not been seen in public and is no longer capable of defending, protecting, and preserving the community.
The group alleged that the traditional ruler had left the palace on August 17, 2021, while his whereabouts were not disclosed to the indigenes of Ikole-Ekiti ever since.
“His immediate family has not made any information about him available, thereby leaving the entire community without leadership, direction, and control for the past two years and over, and there has been no development or growth of any kind in the recent past.
“There have been no coordinated efforts to harness individual moves aimed at improving the lot of our community. The high chiefs in the town have all been working at cross purposes for their own benefits and to the detriment of the entire community.”
Acknowledging and responding to the letter, the Lagos chapter said: “Two days ago, we became fully aware of your recent letter dated September 12 addressed to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Blodun Oyebanji, about your concern about the continued absence of the ELEKOLE of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Adewumi Fasiku, from his domain.
“We have noted that, according to your letter, your group is merely playing a placatory interventionist’s role in this matter.
“We have also noted the summary of the letter, whose ultimate aim appears to be geared towards engendering meaningful development, peace, and progress in Ikole-Eliti.
“If our assumption is right,. Then, we wish to associate ourselves with this laudable goal and, ipso facto, commend you all for this patriotism.
“However, we are of the considered opinion that, rather than externalising the matter to H.E., the Governor, you should have reached out to our highly respected Ikole Chiefs through the “Iwarefas” and the “Omo-ilus” through their Baba Egbe.
“Notwithstanding, a few of us, your brothers listed below, have decided to also intervene, and indeed, we are already doing so, to prevent the situation from getting worse.
“We have since reached out to our HRM, some ikole chiefs, “Omo-ilus’ and stakeholders to partner with them to curtail the alleged misgivings.
“We are hereby appealing to you to utilise your good contacts with the restive youths you referred to in your letter to sheath their swords and maintain peace and order in the town while robust efforts are ongoing to address their observations and/or grievances.
“Needless to say for Ikole-Ekiti to move forward, we must all join hands to ensure its respectability, pride, and honour at all times.”