By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

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The Ekiti State Government, on Thursday restored the embattled Obasaoye of Isaoye, in Moba Local Government Area of the state, Oba Damilare Olajide Gabriel back to the throne after tendering apology to his chiefs, who were miffed by his alleged abdication of his seat.

 The monarch had been having a lingering battle with his chiefs, since 2018, for allegedly taking step to exterminate all traditional festivals in the community, which prompted the chiefs to angrily begin a process of deposing  him and install a successor.

 The monarch in the heat of the crisis, had abdicated the throne and stood his ground not to participate in worshipping deities on the strength of his religious belief. 

The matter was resolved in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday by the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs Monisade Afuye, during a peace parley with the two factions to resolve the lingering crisis.

 Afuye, in a statement by his Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, described as inappropriate, a statement allegedly made by Oba Gabriel at a peace meeting held on Tuesday,  February 11, 2020, that ‘he won’t participate personally and financially in any traditional festival.’

 Based on his pledge to change and partake in all traditional activities being held by the community, Mrs Afuye pleaded with the Chiefs to allow the monarch  return, saying, ” this remains the best way to foster peace and development in Isaoye.”

Afuye also directed the embattled monarch to sign a document that would lend credence to his readiness to support all traditional festivals based on the request of his subjects to resolve the matter permanently.

 “The government will watch our Kabiyesi  for six months before releasing his outstanding salaries to him. If he doesn’t cooperate with the town, then we can begin a process of deposition. But I know that things will not get to this level. Please, give him this second chance.