Ekiti Govt Sets Record Straight On Beaded Crown Saga

By Anthony Olajide 

In a shocking turn of events, the Ekiti State Government has denied granting Chief Sunday Atolaju, a traditional title holder, permission to wear a beaded crown, which has sparked a heated Chieftaincy brawl in Ilawe Ekiti. 

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The controversy has led to a call for the suspension of the erring Chief, with the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, accusing Chief Atolaju of flaunting his beaded crown and staff of office during a cultural festival.

The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye who waded into the crisis, has clarified that only the traditional rulers who presides fully over autonomous communities can wear beaded crowns. 

She emphasized that Governor Oyebanji has not granted autonomy to any town since assuming office, and therefore, no Chief can claim the right to wear beaded crowns.

Equally, the Deputy Governor has directed Chief Atolaju to broker a truce with the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti to forestall further conflict. “Chief Atolaju should go back to Alawe and make peace with him as the head of Ilawe kingdom, who takes charge over cultural festivals in the town,” she advised.

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The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Honourable Ojo Atibioke, reiterated that Chiefs are under the prescribed authorities of traditional rulers, and the State will not deviate from this age-long tradition.

He appealed to the community to handle the matter with tact and civility.

The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, represented by the Elemo of Oke-Emo, Chief Gbenga Agbona, has requested government approval for the immediate suspension of Chief Atolaju as a deterrent to others. 

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The monarch expressed frustration over the prolonged crisis, which began in 2014, and urged the government to grant their request to suspend the Chief for six months.

“As the government reiterates its ban on high chiefs parading themselves with beaded crowns, the fate of Chief Atolaju hangs in the balance. Will the Chief comply with the government’s directive, or will the crisis escalate further? One thing is certain – the Ekiti State Government will not tolerate any challenge to the traditional institution”, the monarch queried. 

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