The Iyin Development and Frontier Union, IDFU, has expressed confidence that the lingering controversy over a chair used by Ekiti State Governor,Biodun Oyebanji, during a church service can be resolved amicably.
The union is backing ongoing peace efforts to restore harmonious relations between the traditional ruler, the people of Iyin-Ekiti, and the state government.
“We believe the unfortunate misunderstanding on the matter is capable of being fully and amicably resolved through that process,” the union said in a statement.
Credible News recalls that the controversy reportedly arose after Governor Oyebanji attended a thanksgiving service on May 31 at the Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church, Iyin-Ekiti.
The service — the 60th birthday anniversary and thanksgiving of Omolade Foluso Bamidele, younger brother of the Senate Leader — was hosted by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, an indigene of the town, and drew a raft of political dignitaries, coming just days before the 2026 Ekiti governorship election. The governor reportedly used a particular chair during the church programme.
Following the service, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Adeola Ajakaiye, reportedly requested the specific chair, stating in palace correspondence that it was required for “royal custody and appropriate traditional rites.”
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In a letter dated June 17 and addressed to the vicar, the Oluyin-in-Council acknowledged an earlier letter of apology from the church dated June 4 over what the palace described as a “grievous incident” during the governor’s visit, and resolved that the chair “be conveyed forthwith to the Palace of the Oluyin for Royal custody and appropriate Traditional rites.”
The council further directed that any replacement chair “be placed under strict and adequate guard at all times, to avert any future desecration or recurrence of such grave oversight against the sanctity of the stool.” The letter was signed by Chief Elejide Omobulejo, Secretary of the Oluyin-in-Council.
The church, in a response dated June 18, rejected the request. The Vicar, Ven. Samuel Sunday Agunbiade, maintained that the chair was church property which could not be surrendered “for external purposes outside the procedures prescribed by ecclesiastical authority.”
The church added that the chair no longer existed in its original form, as it had been dismantled and integrated into the altar furniture as part of ongoing refurbishment works, with some of the former pews already distributed to other churches.
The dispute subsequently generated public concern, with the controversy deepening after reports emerged that the Department of State Services had invited the monarch for questioning over the demand. The reported transfer of the vicar from the church in the aftermath of the dispute also raised questions among residents, though the circumstances of the transfer could not be independently established.
Union’s Position
The union, however, moved to douse tension, describing Oyebanji as “a friend and close associate of the Oluyin of Iyin and a distinguished son of Iyin by affiliation.”
It said the governor’s administration had “contributed significantly to the development of Iyin-Ekiti” and provided meaningful opportunities for many Iyin sons and daughters.
“Against this background, the Oluyin and the people of Iyin hold nothing but goodwill toward the governor,” the union said.
The IDFU also reaffirmed its “unalloyed respect, confidence and loyalty” to Oba Ajakaiye, while stressing its respect for traditional leadership and the Christian community.
It urged members of the public “not to draw hasty conclusions from unverified social media publications” and to allow the matter to follow established peace efforts.
The union appealed to Iyin sons, daughters, well-wishers and media practitioners to “exercise calm” and desist from amplifying narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension.
It said such narratives could damage “longstanding relationships” and urged all stakeholders to support dialogue through the appropriate channels.
“The IDFU reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement and asks all well-meaning Nigerians to allow peace to reign while dialogue continues,” the union said.
Crediblenewsng.com
