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Ekiti Government criticizes monarch over chiefs’ exclusion from monthly payroll

Resolves Orin-Odo Obaship dispute

By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Government has directed the Olorin of Orin-Odo, Ikole Local Government Area, Oba Adebisi Ogunjobi, to immediately resume the payment of monthly stipends to some aggrieved chiefs in the community. This move aims to resolve a long-standing feud among traditional leaders in the town.

Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, issued the directive on Tuesday while mediating a dispute between Oba Ogunjobi and the chiefs, who alleged their exclusion from the government’s monthly payroll.

The intervention followed several petitions by the chiefs, who claimed they had not received their stipends since February 28, 2018.

Addressing both parties, Mrs. Afuye, through a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, ordered that the stipends be resumed starting January 2025.

She also advised that part of the arrears be paid to appease the chiefs.

Mrs. Afuye emphasized that stipends allocated to traditional chiefs should not be diverted for developmental purposes without their consent, describing such actions as a violation of financial regulations.

However, she also criticized the chiefs for refusing to cooperate with the monarch, noting that their absence from traditional meetings was hindering the community’s progress.

“I urge Kabiyesi to begin the payment of their stipends this month, while a portion of the outstanding arrears should also be paid to maintain peace.

However, to be eligible for payment, you must cooperate with the traditional ruler to promote development and harmony in the town,” she stated.

“Let me be clear: diverting the chiefs’ stipends for development projects without their consent constitutes misappropriation.

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This practice is unacceptable. Such funds should be preserved in the council’s account until the rightful beneficiaries are ready for payment,” she added.

On the issue of Oba Ogunjobi’s installation, which has been central to the crisis, Mrs. Afuye affirmed that his appointment was lawful and urged the aggrieved chiefs to accept his leadership.

The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, also weighed in, confirming the government’s approval of Oba Ogunjobi’s installation.

He encouraged all parties to resolve their differences amicably to foster development in the town.

Alhaji Suberu Suleiman, Secretary of the Traditional Council in Ikole Local Government, stated that funds under contention were deposited into the council’s accounts and that the council bore no responsibility for the chiefs’ exclusion.

Chief Samuel Awoseemo, the Olomodorin of Orin-Odo, speaking on behalf of the petitioners, claimed that eight members of the Olorin-in-Council had been excluded from payment, with one member now deceased.

He attributed the division in the town to dissatisfaction with Oba Ogunjobi’s installation, which prompted their withdrawal from palace activities.

In response, Oba Ogunjobi expressed his commitment to making peace with the aggrieved chiefs and assured compliance with the government’s directive regarding the payment of stipends.

He added that the chiefs would be paid if they demonstrated cooperation and respect for his leadership.

The Ekiti State Government’s intervention is expected to restore unity and stability in Orin-Odo, bringing an end to the protracted conflict.

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Ekiti Government criticizes monarch over chiefs’ exclusion from monthly payroll

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Ekiti Government criticizes monarch over chiefs’ exclusion from monthly payroll

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