Deji Of Akure, Eze Ndigbo Clash

Igbo traders in Akure, the Ondo State capital, are at loggerheads with indigenes and monarch of the town over an alleged plan by the Deji of Akure to dethrone their Eze Ndigbo, Sir Gregory Iloehike.

Trouble started when Iloehike was allegedly assaulted at the palace of Deji during the visit of the former to the latter.

It was said that the monarch called for the Eze Ndigbo due to crisis rocking the market in the town. According to reports, an Igbo indigene was appointed head of the market in Akure, which allegedly did not go down well with the indigenes.

It was further alleged that the Eze Ndigbo was rude and disrespectful to the Deji when he visited his palace on the Deji’s invitation.

According to reports, Ilohike wore his crown to the palace, which the indigenes saw as an insult on their culture. He was said to have then been assaulted by the angry youths at the palace for that.

However, Igbos in the town, including traders, retaliated by closing their shops in protest of the alleged treatment of their Eze.

In one of the reports, the Eze Ndigbo was quoted to have narrated that, “The Deji called me at 8.48pm last Sunday inviting me to his palace and I honoured his invitation on Monday morning.

“I went with one of my chiefs but when I got to the palace, I saw youths numbering over 200 who started shouting as I entered. I suspected that they were mobilised by the monarch and I showed respect to him by prostrating.

“The monarch threatened to drive out the Igbo from Akure and when I asked why, the youth descended on me.

“They tore my beads and removed my crown. They attempted to beat me but the police officers at the palace rescued me.”

However, spokesman for the Deji-in-Council, the Asamo of Akureland, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya, was not available for comment on the issue.