From: WOLE BALOGUN, Ado Ekiti
Some residents of Ikere-Ekiti, on Wednesday, took to the streets on a peaceful demonstration, demanding the unconditional release of the Olukere of Ikere-Ekiti, Ganiyu Obasoyin, whom they claimed is a monarch of the town.
The residents began the protest to demand the immediate release of their traditional ruler at Odo-Oja area of the town.
Obasoyin, who had been held in prison custody since Wednesday, the December 27, 2017 was accused of murdering one Femi Kolade, a toilet attendant.
The residents distanced the traditional ruler from the killing, describing the allegation as political witch-hunt. The protesters marched round the sacred tree at the heart of the town where one of the high chiefs of the town Folusho Olowolafe addressed them. Olowolafe urged the residents to remain calm, noting that efforts were on top gear to ensure the release of the monarch.
The protesters were mostly, traditional chiefs, community leaders, aged men and women of the town.
They sang solidarity songs, armed with placards of various inscriptions such as; “we demand the release of our King”, “Government should allow peace to reign in Ikere”,” among others.