Residents of Iyin-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State have called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to intervene in an alleged dispute involving the seizure and disappearance of goats said to have been taken to the palace of the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Adeola Ajakaye.
The residents, who include Mr. Nureni Ademola, Mrs. Zainab, Mrs. Ibrahim Olayinka, Mrs. Yemi and Mrs. Memunat, alleged that their goats were picked up from different parts of the community on the directive of persons linked to the palace. They are demanding clarity on the whereabouts of the animals and want the state government to investigate what they described as an abnormal practice.
Speaking on the matter, Mrs. Ibrahim Olayinka said she noticed her goats were missing around December 2024. After weeks of searching, she said she traced one of them to another resident who claimed he bought it from the Oluyin’s Palace. According to her, she was told the money from the sale was meant for community development.
Olayinka added that when she went to the palace and met Chief Asolo, she was allegedly informed that the monarch and community heads had agreed that straying animals should be sold and the proceeds used for town development. She said the development was devastating, noting that the goats were a major source of income for her household.
Another resident, Mrs. Oyewumi Morenike, alleged that her goat went missing in February. She said after several fruitless searches, she found the animal tied up at the palace and only got it back after paying a ₦20,000 “bail” fee.
Mrs. Memunat made a similar claim, saying she also paid ₦20,000 before her goat, which had allegedly been taken to the palace, was released to her.
The petitioners are urging Governor Oyebanji to urgently probe the circumstances surrounding the alleged seizure, sale, and collection of money for the release of the goats. They also want authorities to confirm whether any formal community resolution backs the alleged action.
The residents stressed that depriving people of their livestock under the guise of community development threatens their livelihood and should not be allowed to continue.
