By Adetilewa Coker, Staff Reporter
The usually quiet town of Ayegunle in Ekiti State erupted in chaos and charged emotions earlier today as residents forcefully dethroned their traditional ruler, Oba Johnson Folorunsho Aderiye, following growing accusations of tyranny, abuse of power, and human rights violations.
Eyewitnesses say the atmosphere turned tense as hundreds of aggrieved locals trooped to the palace in protest, chanting solidarity songs and demanding the immediate removal of the monarch. The action, which took place under tight community mobilisation, culminated in the symbolic removal of royal paraphernalia from the king.
Described by some community members as “a bare-faced dictator,” Oba Aderiye has faced mounting criticism over what locals allege to be vicious leadership, serial disregard for traditional norms, and the repression of dissenting voices within the town.
“He has consistently trampled on the rights of the people, turning the palace into a place of fear and oppression,” one of the protesting elders, who preferred anonymity, told our reporter. “Ayegunle deserves a king who will serve, not rule like a tyrant.”
While no official statement has been released by the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers or the state government, the palace remains under heavy scrutiny, with a combined presence of local vigilantes and concerned citizens keeping watch.
Sources close to the palace hinted that Oba Aderiye has not fled the community but has gone into seclusion, awaiting possible intervention from higher authorities.
This development marks a significant twist in the political and traditional structure of the community, with speculations already rife about who might succeed the embattled monarch.
More details to follow as the story develops.