By Rotimi Ojomoyela
Ado-Ekiti
Idemo Quarters in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, was in the throes of crisis on Wednesday following the installation of a new Edemo (traditional title) in Odo Ado area of the community by the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.
The people, comprising youths and elderly, argued that there shouldn’t have been another person installed as Edemo when the reigning Edemo, Chief Bamidele Aduloju, was still alive.
They carried placards of different inscriptions such as “Ewi, stop tormenting our Chief, “Another Edemo is illegal, “Ewi is causing trouble in Ado, “Ewi stop dividing our family, “Deputy Governor is supporting Ewi” amongst others to express their grievances.
The protesters, armed with dangerous weapons such as sticks, broken bottles, also made bonfires on Odo-Ado/Polytechnic Road and smashed wind screens of vehicles, including two police vehicles deployed to the area to maintain peace.
Briefing newsmen on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Gbenga Akinbo accused the monarch of instigating the crisis in the area with the installation of Mr.
Dayo Felix Fajemilusi from the Faje Ruling House as the new Edemo when the substantive case instituted by the sacked Edemo was still in court, even though a case instituted by him on his suspension by the Ewi was struck out on Monday.
Akinbo, however, said a notice of appeal had been served on the monarch, adding that the oba disregarded the court’s papers and installed another Edemo.
In his reaction, the monarch said there was no uproar anywhere in the metropolis, saying that he only filled a vacant stool after a court of competent jurisdiction had struck out the case instituted against him.
He also said he followed the due process in line with the tradition of the people in appointing chiefs.
Our correspondent could not get the reaction of the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Victor Babayemi, as he sent an SMS that he was in a meeting.
But a senior police officer, who confirmed the story, said five people had been arrested in connection with the crisis and being detained at the Okesa Police station.