The Ekiti State Government has approved the re-absorption and formal recognition of the Ogbekunrin/Ajabari Ruling House as one of the royal dynasties in Imesi Ekiti, located in Ayekire Local Council, following sustained appeals and unified demands from the community.

With the ratification, the town now officially has three recognised ruling houses, in line with its history, culture, and traditional customs.

The approval was announced on Friday in Ado Ekiti by the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, during a meeting with the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, and princes from the town’s three royal lineages.

Describing the issue as both traditional and administrative, Afuye expressed satisfaction with the development and sought clarification on the motivations behind the request. She cautioned that the government would not condone any action capable of tarnishing the administration’s image, noting that the information guiding the approval was verified to be accurate.

According to her, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has no vested interest in chieftaincy matters beyond ensuring peace across communities and preventing the imposition of candidates. She stressed that due process and the rule of law must be strictly followed in the installation of kings and chiefs.

Afuye added that the decision, based on collective community consensus, would help redress longstanding grievances and perceived injustices suffered by the affected ruling house. She urged the newly recognised dynasty to remain patient and adhere to the established rotational order for the throne, warning that the government would not tolerate actions that could spark conflict among the ruling houses.

The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Olaiya Atibiioke, described the matter as sensitive but potentially stabilising if well managed. He advised that the three ruling houses should execute a court affidavit to give the arrangement legal backing and forestall future disputes.

In his remarks, Oba Olatunde thanked the government for endorsing the process, noting that it was initiated by his predecessor, Oba Adeyeye Oladimeji. He said the move reflected the unanimous will of Imesi Ekiti indigenes, particularly the ruling houses, and described the approval as long overdue.

Supporting the decision, High Chief Kayode Adebayo of the Omilodi Ruling House said the family endorsed the re-absorption to promote justice, peace, and mutual respect among the royal lineages.

Speaking for the newly recognised dynasty, Chief Rawa Adejuwon explained that their house was historically one of the three ruling families but was removed during a war that drastically reduced their princely lineage. He added that inadequate documentation and awareness during the gazetting of the Morgan Constitution in 1957 also contributed to their prolonged exclusion, despite the installation of several kings from their lineage before the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ayekire Council of Traditional Rulers, represented by the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, described the approval as a fresh beginning for Imesi Ekiti and pledged continued support from the traditional council.