By Abiodun Okegbenro
The recent dethronement of Oba Folorunsho Johnson Aderiye, the Alayegunle of Ayegunle Ekiti, has brought to the forefront the long-standing grievances of a community against a leader accused of serial rights abuse and unrepentant bullying. The monarch’s removal, backed by the community’s kingmakers and supported by the community people, raises fundamental questions about leadership, accountability, and the delicate balance of power in traditional institutions.
The allegations against Oba Aderiye paint a picture of a leader who has consistently disregarded the rights and dignity of his subjects, creating a reign of terror in Ayegunle Ekiti.
From a psychological perspective, the monarch’s behavior suggests a personality disorder characterised by a lack of empathy and a propensity for authoritarianism. His actions have created a toxic environment, fostering fear and mistrust among his subjects.
The community’s decision to remove him can be seen as a collective attempt to reclaim their dignity and assert their rights.
Concept of leadership is deeply rooted in the social contract theory, which posits that leaders derive their authority from the consent of the governed. When a leader fails to uphold their end of the bargain, the people have the right to withdraw their consent.
The Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Law empowers traditional rulers to perform certain functions and duties in their respective communities. However, it also provides for the dethronement of traditional rulers who engage in misconduct or abuse of power.
Hence, the kingmakers’ decision to dethrone Oba Aderiye is in line with this law, which recognises the importance of accountability and good governance in traditional institutions.
And as the state warms up for a crucial election next year, it is only essential for the government to prioritise peace and stability in the community. Majority is more friendly in a democracy.
Allowing the people of Ayegunle Ekiti to have their way while also giving the dethroned monarch an opportunity to have his say would be a step in the right direction.
Harbouring grievances and unresolved conflicts can have far-reaching consequences, and a stitch in time may indeed save more than nine.
Ultimately, the community’s quest for justice and accountability should be respected, and their right to determine their own destiny should be upheld.
Aderiye’s dethronement is not an isolated incident. There have been several cases of traditional rulers being removed from office in Nigeria due to allegations of misconduct or abuse of power.
For instance, in 2020, even the Oonirisha, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was criticised for his handling of a chieftaincy dispute in Osun State. While he was not dethroned, the incident highlights the importance of traditional rulers being mindful of their actions and their impact on their subjects.
In another case, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was deposed in 2020 by the Kano State Government due to allegations of insubordination and misconduct. The incident sparked widespread debate about the role of traditional rulers in modern society and the limits of their power.
In the Ayegunle case, the Ekiti State Government’s intervention in the crisis, led by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, has been crucial in mediating the conflict and ensuring a peaceful resolution. While some have accused the government of masterminding the monarch’s removal, the Deputy Governor has denied these allegations, stating that the government has no hand in the matter. Instead, she has urged the warring factions to shelve their differences and work towards peace and development.
The government’s role in ensuring peace and stability in the community is critical, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
By allowing the people of Ayegunle Ekiti to have their way, the government can help to prevent further conflict and promote a sense of justice and accountability.
This recent dethronement of Oba Aderiye serves as a reminder that traditional institutions are not above the law and that leaders must be accountable to their people.
As the community looks into the future, it is essential that they prioritise accountability and good governance in their traditional institutions.
In my opinion, the community’s quest for justice and accountability should be respected, and their right to determine their own destiny should be upheld. The government should allow the people of Ayegunle Ekiti to have their way while also giving the dethroned monarch an opportunity to have his say.
By doing so, the government can help to promote peace and stability in the community and ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected.
Abiodun Okegbenro is Director of Publicity, Media for Ethnic Equality (MEE), Lagos, Nigeria
