SUNTV Global Channel | August 18, 2026
The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Adeola Ajakaiye, for questioning following controversy over a request by his palace for the chair used by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji during a church thanksgiving service.
The incident reportedly dates back to May 31, 2026, when Governor Oyebanji attended a thanksgiving service at Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church in Iyin-Ekiti, following an invitation from Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, an indigene of the town.
According to correspondence seen in connection with the matter, the Oluyin-in-Council later requested that the specific chair occupied by the governor during the service be handed over to the palace for what it described as “royal custody and appropriate traditional rites.”
The church reportedly declined the request.
In a letter dated June 17, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of the Oluyin-in-Council, Chief Elejide Omobulejo, the palace acknowledged an earlier apology from the church concerning what it described as an unfortunate incident during the governor’s visit.
The letter subsequently directed the church to surrender the chair to the palace, stating that it was required for royal custody and traditional rites.
The council also called for any replacement chair to be adequately protected to prevent a recurrence of what it described as a serious oversight involving the sanctity of the traditional stool.
The Anglican Church reportedly rejected the palace’s demand, maintaining that the chair was church property and could not be removed or transferred for purposes outside the procedures governing church property.
The church further explained that the original chair was no longer intact, as it had reportedly been dismantled and incorporated into the church’s altar furnishing.
Despite the explanation, the palace reportedly maintained its position.
The controversy has also raised questions surrounding the subsequent transfer of the church’s vicar, Ven. Dr. Samuel Sunday Agunbiade, who was reportedly opposed to the palace’s request.
Some residents have linked the transfer to the dispute, although the official reason for the cleric’s transfer has not been independently established.
The controversy has generated considerable discussion in Iyin-Ekiti, particularly over the palace’s reference to “appropriate traditional rites.”
Some residents have expressed concerns and speculated about possible ritual intentions behind the request. However, such claims remain allegations and have not been independently established by SUNTV Global Channel.
The reported invitation of the monarch by the DSS has further heightened public interest in the matter.
The security agency has not publicly disclosed the specific reason for inviting the Oluyin for questioning.
Similarly, the Oluyin’s Palace has not publicly explained what specific traditional rites were intended to be performed with the chair.
Residents are now calling for a transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the request and determine whether there was any legitimate traditional or other purpose behind it.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
This report is based on documents and accounts surrounding the controversy. Allegations and claims that have not been independently verified are presented as such.
