Smarting from the successful removal of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi by the Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has set machinery in motion for the removal of the 16 “Pelupelu” (Paramount) traditional rulers in the State.
Source told WazobiaReporters that a query was issued to the Obas today, giving them 72 hours to explain why they should not be removed for shunning government functions since August 2019.
The sixteen most prominent traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Pelupelu Obas, had sued Governor Fayemi, challenging his appointment of the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, as chairman of the State Traditional Council.
The 16 most prominent monarchs, popularly referred to as the Pelupelu Obas described the appointment of Alawe of Ilawe, outside the 16 Obas called Alademerindinlogin to occupy the exalted seat of the Chairman of the traditional council, as a clear violation of the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.
The monarchs, in the suit with registration number HAD/76/2019, filed before an Ado Ekiti High Court, are seeking nullification of the appointment, saying the governor’s action of picking someone outside the 16 obas as chairman was “a violation of the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.”
In an originating summon filed by Dr. B.A.M. Ajibade (SAN) on August 7, 2019 and deposed to by Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adewole, on behalf of other 15 obas, the monarchs are seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining Fayemi from swearing-in Alawe as the chairman of the council.
Respondents in the suit are: Governor Fayemi (1st), the Attorney General of Ekiti State, Wale Fapohunda (2nd) and Oba Alabi (3rd).
The source said Fayemi had already stopped payments due to them from the local governments.
The affected Obas are said to be in an emergency meeting at the palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe as at press time.
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