_By Temitope Ogundare_
Politics exists in every sphere of human life — in families, associations, businesses, religious groups, and government. But politics becomes toxic when it is weaponized to create needless conflict, destroy relationships, and set communities against each other.
The recent controversy involving the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, the Oluyin-in-Council, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and a reserved chair at Babamuboni Anglican Church is, in my view, a classic case of making a mountain out of a molehill.
Some persons appear to have deliberately created an impression of hostility between the Oluyin-in-Council and the Ekiti State Government. Even more troubling was the false report that the Oluyin was in DSS custody — a narrative designed to suggest a serious clash between the monarch and the state.
That claim was misleading. The Oluyin was neither invited nor detained by the DSS. Why then would anyone fabricate such a story and circulate it as though Iyin Ekiti were at war with its own government?
Two different issues have also been wrongly merged.
First, the issue of the reserved seat for the Oluyin at the Anglican Church. That matter was raised some time ago and was amicably resolved through dialogue between the palace and the church. It was a matter of protocol and respect for tradition, not a political confrontation with the church, the government, or Governor Oyebanji.
It is standard practice in many Anglican communities to reserve seats for traditional rulers. If such a tradition is inadvertently overlooked, it is only right for the palace to seek clarification. There is nothing political about that.
It is therefore curious that this settled matter is now being revived and linked to the proposed renovation and expansion of the Oluyin Palace.
And that brings us to the real issue. The genuine concern for the people of Iyin Ekiti is the planned facelift of the palace and the likelihood that some nearby structures may be affected.
The proposed renovation and expansion of the Oluyin Palace is a project every well-meaning son and daughter of Iyin should support.
A palace is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies our history, culture, identity, and traditional authority. Upgrading it is not about the present Oluyin or the current Council. It is about safeguarding an institution for generations to come.
However, development must be pursued with fairness. Where legitimate structures are affected, owners should be properly engaged, resettled, and compensated where necessary. That is responsible governance.
But development should not be opposed simply because of political differences. The real danger is the attempt to turn a developmental project into a political fight.
We must ask: In whose interest is it to oppose the upgrading of an institution that belongs to the entire Iyin community? The Oluyin and the Council are only custodians. The palace will outlive them. This project is an investment in the future of Iyin Ekiti, not in any individual.
Iyin Ekiti is too important to be dragged into avoidable controversy. The politicization of this project is regrettable.
We have every reason to be proud of our heritage and our rising profile. We must not allow political interests or sensational reporting to paint us as a community that cannot manage its affairs.
Differences will always arise, but they should be resolved through dialogue, consultation, and respect — not through misinformation or the deliberate creation of enemies.
Political differences must not become community divisions. Personal interests must not be packaged as public interest.
The people of Iyin deserve better than sensational headlines and manufactured conflicts. If there are genuine concerns, let them be addressed at the table of dialogue.
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is the Governor of Ekiti State. The Oluyin is the custodian of Iyin’s heritage. There is no reason both institutions cannot work together for the good of our people.
The Oluyin deserves respect. The government deserves fairness. The church deserves understanding. And the people of Iyin deserve peace and development.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” At this moment, those who love Iyin must speak — not to inflame, but to restore reason.
A church chair is not worth dividing Iyin. The palace is bigger than politics. The future of Iyin is bigger than any personal interest.
Let us protect our unity.
Let us protect our heritage.
Let us support responsible development.
And let us stop making much ado about nothing.
_Temitope Ogundare writes from Iyin Ekiti_
