Ekiti Government cracks down on unauthorized crown wearers

The Ekiti State government has reaffirmed its prohibition against any high chief or individual wearing the beaded crown, stating that only officially recognized traditional rulers are permitted to use such regalia.

During a meeting in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye emphasized the ban while addressing an ongoing chieftaincy dispute involving Sunday Atolaju, the head of Irorin Quarters, and the Alawe in Council.

Afuye expressed concern as some individuals and high chiefs pursuing independence began to don the beaded crown, despite the government not having approved their requests.

She warned that anyone found impersonating a king would face severe penalties.

The deputy governor pointed out that the act of a chief presenting themselves as a king is a serious breach of the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.

She cautioned chiefs and individuals against wearing such crowns under the guise of participating in annual or monthly cultural ceremonies. 

According to her, the current administration values Ekiti traditions and institutions and will not permit actions that could lead to cultural discord, violence, or the distortion of the cherished Yoruba cultural heritage.

During the peace meeting, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Ajibade Alabi, was represented by six chiefs, while the Alawe in Council was led by Gbenga Agbona, the Elemo of Oke Emo.

Agbona asserted that it goes against the culture and traditions of the people of Ilawe-Ekiti for priests to wear crowns and other official regalia like traditional rulers during festivals.

The Alawe in Council accused Sunday Atolaju, the chief of Irorin Quarters, of frequently engaging in this practice, which they believe could cause division in the historic town.

The traditional ruler urged the government to intervene and prevent Atolaju from acting as a king, stressing that there is only one traditional ruler for Ilawe-Ekiti.

The council further argued that Atolaju's behavior might undermine the dignity of the paramount ruler's position in Ilawe-Ekiti.

Meanwhile, Atolaju and his supporters offered photographic evidence and other materials to support their claim that the head of Irorin Quarters is entitled to wear a crown and other official regalia during their festival.