Ekiti Cracks Down on Traditional Chief for Unlawful Arrests and Communal Conflicts

Ilesanmi AdekanbiAugust 11, 2023

1 minute read

The Ekiti State government has announced the suspension of a traditional chief in Imesi Ekiti, in Gbonyin Local Government Area of the state, Chief Gabriel Bodunde.

The chief was accused of disrespecting, disobeying and undermining the authority of the town’s monarch, Oba Olatunji Olatunde.

He was also alleged to have instigated communal conflicts in the town by unlawfully and arbitrarily arresting his subjects over false and trivial charges, thereby creating unnecessary unrest.

The state’s deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, made the announcement yesterday while presiding over a petition submitted to her office by Onimesi-in-Council.

The petition detailed the various acts of misconduct and insubordination committed by Chief Bodunde against the monarch and the town. Daily Trust reports that Chief Bodunde was absent at the hearing of the petition and did not send any representative to defend him.

Oba Olatunji Olatunde expressed his disappointment that several attempts to reconcile with Chief Bodunde were rejected. He said that the embattled chief’s refusal to honour the government’s invitation was a sign of arrogance and contempt.

The deputy governor said that the suspension of Chief Bodunde was in line with the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law of 2012, which empowers the state government to suspend any traditional chief who is found guilty of misconduct or breach of peace.

She said that the suspension would last until further notice and advised Chief Bodunde to respect the monarch and the people of Imesi Ekiti. She also urged the people of the town to remain calm and peaceful.