The Oponu family of Ayetoro-Ekiti, in Ekiti State, has disowned individuals opposing the Alayetoro of Ayetoro Kingdom, Oba Samuel Olufisan Ajayi, saying they do not represent the family or speak on its behalf.

Speaking in Yoruba, members of the family dismissed allegations that the monarch took transformers belonging to the community, describing the claim as a ploy to distract him from his responsibilities.

The family’s secretary, Mr James Oluwagbemiga Afolabi, said no transformer was given to any family.

He alleged that those behind the agitation had sought favours from the monarch but became aggrieved after their requests were turned down because they were not entitled to them.

The women leader, Chief (Mrs) Ajigbotola Aseweje, said the transformer issue had long been resolved and expressed surprise that the allegation had resurfaced.

She noted that the monarch’s mother was from the Oponu family, and questioned why some members will oppose one of their own.

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She appealed to all parties to avoid actions that could cause unrest, urging the monarch to consider some of the demands being made.

She also called on family elders to intervene and engage with the aggrieved youths.

Also, Mr Agboola Oluwaseun said the individuals behind the agitation did not represent the interests of the entire Oponu family.

He maintained that while dissenting voices exist in every community, those involved in the current agitation are, in his view, contributing to the underdevelopment of the town.

The family described Oba Samuel as an accommodating and exceptional leader and urged the aggrieved individuals to stop actions capable of disrupting peace in the community.

The Oponu family reaffirmed its support for the monarch and his administration, calling for dialogue and the peaceful resolution of grievances in the interest of Ayetoro Kingdom.