Tension has escalated in Ijesa-Isu Ekiti, Ekiti State, following claims that the Regent, Princess Omobolaji Adeniyi, was forcefully removed from the palace amid disputes over the selection of a new monarch.
The controversy comes after the Ekiti State Government approved a new traditional ruler for the town, a decision currently being contested in court by dissatisfied aspirants to the throne.
Community members reportedly expressed anger over the incident, accusing influential individuals of disregarding traditional protocols and undermining the authority of the palace.
Sources said the conflict intensified after the regent raised objections to moves she described as attempts to destabilise the town while the process of appointing a new Obanla continued.
Princess Adeniyi alleged that she was humiliated, assaulted, and locked out of the palace by security personnel while attempting to remove her personal effects from the premises.
Describing the ordeal as painful and unfair, she stated that she had dedicated herself to maintaining peace and stability in Ijesa-Isu throughout her tenure as regent.
She added that she had put several personal matters on hold and endured significant pressure to protect the traditional institution, only to be treated in a way she called degrading.
The regent accused the Chairman of Kajola Local Council Development Area, Ojo Ajayi, of orchestrating the incident, claiming security agents, including members of the Agro-Marshal and Amotekun Corps, harassed her and assaulted her driver before intervention by the Department of State Services.
In response, Ajayi denied any involvement, insisting that he neither instructed her eviction nor authorised any harassment of the regent or her staff.
