The Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti South West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Adebanji Alabi has announced the indefinite suspension of a deity priest in the community, Ororin Sunday Olu Adetolaju.
Oba Alabi who spoke with newsmen in his palace on Thursday explained that the suspension of the priest became necessary following his consistent violation of the state’s Chief law, tradition and customs of Ilawe-Ekiti.
The former chairman of the Ekiti State traditional ruler added that the decision was taken with due consultation with the Alawe-in-Council and other stakeholders in the community in the interest of peace and development of the town.
He noted that his persistent disregard for the constituted authorities by wearing apparels and paraphernalia exclusively meant for Obas in Ekiti would no longer be tolerated.
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According to Alawe, efforts of the state government through the deputy governor, Chief Monisade Afuye and himself for the issue not to degenerate was frustrated by the priest.
Oba Alabi said, ” the government intervened and he appeared before the Deputy Governor twice where the Alawe In Council narrated his misdemeanor in the town.
“His notoriety included installing himself as a Chief without the approval of the Prescribed Authority who,in the Case of Ilawe-Ekiti,is the Alawe.
” The people of Ilawe-Ekiti don’t want him again to be the Ororin, Alawe In Council don’t want him even Deity Priests have expelled him from the group before this time as a result of his nefarious attitudes.
” I have been managing the tension created by his activities till now but it has come to a head that is why I sought the approval to suspend him from the state government which has been granted.”
He revealed that Omo Orin Tunde Bamgbotogun has been appointed to act as the Ororin, saying, ” he shall perform all Ororin duties at the Oke Orin and Owa Orin.
” With this suspension, Sunday Adetolaju is banned from performing any traditional duty in Ilawe Ekiti.