The peaceful community of Ilawe-Ekiti is experiencing a deep crisis following recent actions allegedly taken by Alawe, which have stirred tension among residents. According to community sources, a court of competent jurisdiction had previously ruled in favor of High Chief Adetolaju Olu Sunday, affirming him as the rightful Ororin of Irorin. Despite this ruling, Alawe is said to have disregarded the decision, allegedly committing contempt of court by pursuing actions contrary to the judgment.
Community members claim that Alawe has spread unsubstantiated allegations against the Ororin, a highly respected and peace-loving leader known for his dedication to the growth and development of Irorin. Reports further allege that Alawe secured questionable injunctions to suspend the Ororin from his traditional position, an act many describe as unlawful and deeply destabilizing.
In a move that has shocked the community, Alawe allegedly went ahead to install an “acting Ororin,” a decision critics argue is both illegal and disrespectful to centuries-old customs. The controversy did not end there. The acting Ororin reportedly broke into the Ororin’s private property and destroyed valuable possessions. This incident allegedly took place with the assistance of the Ekiti State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a development that has sparked outrage and led to a formal petition currently before the Inspector General of Police.
Observers note that these actions are in direct violation of existing police directives, raising concerns about the misuse of state security resources in what many believe is a purely traditional matter.
For the people of Irorin, the position of the Ororin is not merely ceremonial — it is sacred. The Ororin dynasty predates the establishment of the Ilawe-Ekiti kingdom and has for centuries served as a spiritual and cultural compass for the community.
High Chief Adetolaju Olu Sunday, the current Ororin, is more than a traditional leader. He is also a computer science lecturer and a cultural ambassador whose work has brought international recognition to Irorin. His recent conferment as Ambassador of Tradition by the Afro Caribbean Chamber of Culture and Tourism highlights his contributions to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
His leadership is seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity, with the potential to transform Irorin into a center for cultural tourism.
Cultural tourism is a growing economic driver worldwide. Religious tourism in Brazil generates over $5 billion annually, proving that well-organized traditional festivals can significantly boost local economies. Nigeria has its own example in the Osun-Osogbo Festival, a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws thousands of participants and international tourists.
If properly supported, Irorin’s traditions and festivals could attract similar global attention, creating jobs, empowering local artisans, and improving the community’s standard of living.
Prominent sons and daughters of Ilawe-Ekiti — including legal luminaries like SAN Femi Falana, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Prof. Tunji Asaolu, and others — are being urged to intervene. The goal is to restore peace, protect the community’s cultural heritage, and prevent an escalation of conflict.
The people of Irorin are calling for respect for the rule of law, proper adherence to court rulings, and the preservation of their traditions. By choosing dialogue and lawful resolution, Ilawe-Ekiti can avoid further division and set an example for other communities across Nigeria.
