From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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There was pandemonium in Ilogbo-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government area of Ekiti State on Thursday , as residents of the community embarked on a violent protest and chased the monarch, Oba Edward Ajayi, and members of his family out of the the palace and town.
The residents also unceremoniously banished the monarch and his family out of the town to unknown destination.
Though, the cause of the incident which has thrown the community into confusion still remains sketchy as at the time of filling this report. However, it was gathered that the angry subjects accused the monarch of aiding and abetting cultism in the town.
They also alleged that many of them were attacked by suspected secret cult members allegedly led by a son of the traditional ruler, Adeleye Ajayi. The residents equally claimed that the attack by the suspected cultists recently led to the death of a boy who is also an indigene of the town.
Briefing journalists on the matter, an indigene of Ilogbo-Ekiti who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the community had reported the alleged activities of the monarch’s son to his father, whom they accused of not taking any action.
Another resident of the community claimed that the monarch’s son, Adeleye, was expelled from a Federal University in Ondo State for alleged cultism related activities about five years ago .
“The prince and his group have been terrorizing our community with the shield and protection of the palace. Residents of the community were forced to violence because of failure of the monarch to put his child and his group under check and the death of the boy sparked the riot.
“Sacred trees usually cut when a king dies have since been cut down, while the palace and Oba’s cars were vandalized. The Hope Metro reliably gathered that seven persons including the Oba’s son have been arrested in connection with the incident, while the body of the boy killed has been
deposited in the mortuary.”
Oba Ajayi could not be reached for his reaction at press time, as his whereabout was unknown, several calls put to his phone was unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off.
The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Mr. Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed the report and explained that about seven persons have been arrested by the police over the incident, while investigation has begun on the matter.
