- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
It was an exciting moment as the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji enthroned the new Onirele of Irele-Ekiti, HRM Oba David Andero, calling on the traditional institution to coalesce efforts with his government to wage virulent wars against kidnappers and marauding herders terrorising the state.
Oyebanji reiterated the resolve of his government to always partner the traditional institution for speedy development, security and robust maintenance of law and order, for Ekiti to become epicentre of investments and industrialisation.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said these on Thursday, while presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of appointment to the new Onirele, from Ikole Local Government Area of the State.
Presenting the paraphernalia of office to the new monarch, who hailed from Oke Aga Royal Dynasty, Oyebanji, urged the Irele people to partner the new monarch to rout the perpetrators of kidnapping and killings in Ipao-Oke Ako- Irele axis of the state.
Oyebanji hinged the spiraling insecurity in the Northern axis of Ekiti on increasing number of vacant stools, saying he was elated that Irele town had overcome the challenge and selected a personality that would rally them against insecurity in the town.
The governor said: “The government is eagerly looking forward to the conclusion of the selection process of the kabiyesis in Oke Ako, Iyemero and Ayebode towns.
“I want to appeal to the sons and daughters of these communities to reconcile all differences and withdraw all the pending court cases to enable quick completion of the selection process”.
Oyebanji stressed that for the avoidance of doubts, the monarch as the leader, is expected to be the medium of communication between the people and the government, ensures peace and stability, maintain law and order as well as security in his town.
Indicating that the traditional stool should be guarded with caution, the governor appealed to the monarch to be neutral and remain unbiased while adjudicating on any crisis brought before him, describing this as the best way to unify the people and earn the respect of his subjects.
Conversely, Oyebanji advised the Irele people to respect their monarch as the leader to help in unifying the town for accelerated development.
The governor reminded that many towns in Ekiti are in a standstill because of avoidable disagreements between the traditional stool and their people, saying the government would henceforth perceive such worrisome disposition as a sabotage.
“Now that you have emerged, go and unify your town. Don’t cause division. You can only flourish when you are in unity and peace. We don’t want crisis, what Mr Governor wants is love, accelerated development, and unity in all the sections of our dear state”.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Ojo Atobioke, said the process leading to the emergence of the new monarch was devoid of manipulation, urging him not to betray the confidence reposed in his competence and moral standing.
Atibioke enjoined the town to rally support for the monarch in the area of security, development, maintenance of social order, for them to benefit from the numerous developmental programmes being executed by Governor Oyebanji.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Andero, saluted Governor Oyebanji for being neutral in the selection of Obas, promising to strive hard to ensure security of lives and property, especially combating the kidnappers and blood-sucking herders terrorising his people.
The monarch pledged that he would work with the kingmakers, chiefs, elite and other critical stakeholders, to entrench unity in the town and elevate progress in all spheres.
Oba Andero, who commended Oyebanji for spreading development across all the towns, appealed to the government to rehabilitate Ayedun-Irele road, deploy qualified teachers and personnel to Irele schools and health centre as well establish cottage industry in the town.
“Despite that we had a stiff contest, I am keeping no grudge or ill-feelings against anybody. We are one for the progress of Irele Ekiti”, the monarch said.
Present at the occasion were: The lawmaker representing Oye Constituency 2, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, the Chairmen of Ikole Local Government, Hon. Bayo Omojola, the Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, Chairman, Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Samuel Abejide.
Others included: The Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mrs Olabisi Akindele, her counterpart in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, traditional chiefs, among others.
