The Ekiti community is grappling with the aftermath of the brutal murder of two revered traditional rulers, the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.
The tragic incident occurred as the monarchs were ambushed and killed by suspected herdsmen while returning from a meeting.
Expressing profound grief and concern for the escalating violence in the state, a resident of the community spoke out during a visit by the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji. The elderly woman shared that one of the slain monarchs had allegedly urged the community to support the All-Progressives Congress (APC) during the last election. She lamented that the community is now haunted by the menace of herdsmen, who have not only disrupted their peace but are now targeting traditional rulers.
In a poignant revelation, the woman conveyed the words of the deceased monarch, stating, “Your Excellency, during the election, the king sat outside and he was instructing everyone to vote for APC. Fulani herdsmen have not given us rest of mind; they have been killing villagers too, now they are killing kings.”
The shocking incident has left the community in mourning and heightened concerns about the security challenges posed by these attacks on traditional leaders. As investigations unfold, the community and the state at large are left grappling with the urgent need for measures to address the rising violence and ensure the safety of their leaders and residents alike.
