National Issues
Olupo Of Ajase-Ipo Makes A Leading Imam Kneel For 3-hours -By Albert Afeso Akanbi
This act, and a few other actions of the new king since his coronation, they say, have become a source of worry to those who have had close contact with him, especially as he is accused of living below the expectations of his highly revered office.
The coronation of a new Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, 41-year-old Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Muhammed Atoloye Alebiosu, less than a month ago, was seen as a welcomed development by the people of Ajase-Ipo and its environs in Kwara State. Many Kwarans hailed the ascent of the new Oba to the throne after the demise of Oba Sikiru Atanda Danni Woleola II in February 2021, with jubilations and praises, and a hope for a better community, especially as the new Oba is seen as a young and learned man.
However, eye witnesses say a disturbing event which suggests otherwise ensued in the Olupo’s palace on Saturday, in which the new Oba displayed an absolute abuse of office and disrespect towards a leading cleric in the State, the Imam of Eleyoka, a major settlement under Ajase-Ipo community.
This act, and a few other actions of the new king since his coronation, they say, have become a source of worry to those who have had close contact with him, especially as he is accused of living below the expectations of his highly revered office.
They say the Imam had been summoned to the palace by Oba Ismail Yahaya over his title as Imam of Eleyoka. On getting to the palace, Oba Yahaya, instead of engaging in a constructive questions and answers session with the Imam according to sources, was said to have come out as a bully towards the cleric they say. He was said to have ordered the Imam to kneel while hauling insults and abuses on him, questioning his existence as Imam of Eleyoka, and not interested in listening to the Imam who has been serving the Eleyoka community for over four years.
The eye witnesses who gave this report had it that it was a very embarrassing experience for the Imam and others in attendance as Oba Ismail made the Imam kneel for about 3 hours throughout the “one-sided interrogation”. At a point, when the Imam and some other people present pleaded to talk, Oba Ismail threatened to put a curse on them – even to the extent of boasting he has the power to command the Imam to stray into the bush in madness.
We must understand that the Oba and other traditional rulers for that matter, must understand that their role is to promote peace and harmony, to unite towns and villages, to listen more than talk, and to work with other leaders around them to further strengthen their reign and bring more prosperity to the people, and bring honour to our traditional institutions…
