Date: 2017-10-26

For a period of 30 days, they could not move out of their domains nor attend public functions.

The monarchs equally forfeited their one month salary.

These were the tales of the Aloffa of Iloffa, Oba Samuel Niyi Dada and the Oloota of Odo-Owa, Oba Joshua Adeyemi Adimula of Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The two traditional rulers were inflicted with 'heavy punishment' by the Kwara State Government, following the clash that broke out between both communities on July 29 over a botched yam festival.

The sanction was on the heels of recommendations of the Judiciary Panel of Enquiry set up by the government to look into the remote causes of the crisis.

The monarchs were initially restricted from attending public functions and leaving their domains for a period of 90 days in addition to losing their salaries for same period. The sanction was however relaxed to one month following the intervention of the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari.

After serving out their sanction, Oba Adimula and Oba Niyi Dada were sighted at a public function in Ilorin the state capital on Saturday.

Confirming the lifting of restriction order on the traditional rulers last night, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communications, Dr. Muideen Akorede disclosed in a message forwarded to this medium that the duo are now free to attend public functions and other duties expected of them without any hindrance.

He said, "Since the reviewed sanctions have elapsed, the traditional rulers are now free."

When contacted on the development, the Oloota of Odo-Owa, Oba Adimula beckoned on the government to ensure strict adherence to the recommendations of the Judiciary Panel of Enquiry.

According to him, for the peace to be restored to the communities, government must ensure the damaged property are reconstructed.

"Government should ensure they follow squarely recommendations of the Judiciary Panel of Enquiry and also strive to restore peace to the two communities.

"They should also take bold steps in reconstructing buildings that were destroyed during the crisis," he submitted.

The Oloota further appreciated the Emir of Ilorin for his efforts to ensure peace reign in the area and also, the state government for doing the needful on the matter at the right time.

However, efforts to get the reaction of the Aloffa, Oba Niyi Dada proved abortive as he did not pick the calls made to his airtel line and message sent to cell phone was not replied till the time this paper went to bed. Recall that no fewer than four lives were lost and 29 houses destroyed following the clash that broke out between the communities as a result of yam festival ceremony at the Obada market.