Kayode Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti State, presented two new traditional rulers with symbols of authority on Tuesday, charging them to rally their subjects for the development of their communities.
The Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Michael Adesanmi, and the Alaaye of Aaye Ekiti, Oba Ojo Amos Idowu, were the two new monarchs who received their staff of office from Governor Fayemi, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi.
According to Odunayo Ogunmola, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, the Ologotun throne became vacant on January 29, 2022, following the death of the late Oba Samuel Oladapo Oyebade, and the Alaaye throne became vacant on August 30, 2021, following the transition of the late Oba Theophilus Adegoke Ogunbiyi.
The Governor expressed satisfaction that the processes that produced the two new royal fathers as monarchs were free of manipulation and unethical practices, speaking at separate ceremonies to give them official recognition as Obas.
The Governor congratulated the new monarchs on their emergence from their towns’ selection processes, which were attended by the Chairman of the State Council of Obas and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro.
The Governor paid glowing tributes to the late Oba Oyebade, the immediate past Ologotun, and the late Oba Ogunbiyi, the departed Alaaye, for their contributions and impact on their kingdoms and the development of the state.
Dr. Fayemi reminded the new Ologotun of the task ahead of him, reminding him that his success on the throne will be largely dependent on the quality of cooperation and goodwill from the people of his kingdom.
The Governor stated that Oba Adesanmi is capable of leading his community to greater heights, noting that he has the pedigree and experience to move Ogotun forward, and he urged him to repay the trust placed in him.
Dr. Fayemi took advantage of the opportunities to reaffirm his administration’s respect for the traditional institution, noting that the government recognizes the important role royal fathers play as agents of grassroots development in their various domains.
He said: “The traditional institution had been identified as a veritable agent of governance. Their reconciliatory and advisory roles have fostered peaceful coexistence in the state, making our programmes for development achievable in a peaceful atmosphere.
“It is on the realization of this that our Administration has been ensuring the prompt filling of vacant stools in accordance with the extant rules and regulations of appointment so that our royal fathers can continue to play the advisory and reconciliatory roles in their domains.
“Our various developmental programmes have tremendously and positively impacted our dear state for almost four years of this administration. All the achievements are with the support of all sons and daughters as well as residents of the State.”
In his acceptance speech, the new Ologotun, Oba Adesanmi, said he accepted the staff of office with exceeding joy and gratefulness of heart describing his ascension as a new dawn in Ogotun Ekiti.
Oba Adesanmi pledged to always work in synergy with relevant stakeholders in ensuring the peace, stability, growth and development of Ogotun Ekiti in particular and Ekiti State in general.
“I am particularly determined to reach up on the scale, continually, as an example of contemporary and future-bound leadership, yet with a consciousness of history, tradition and the custom of our most natural humanity. The people are ready to take Ogotun to an enviable height.”
The new Alaaye, Oba Idowu, hailed Governor Fayemi for allowing a transparent selection process describing him as a man of integrity who has made a great impact on the lives of the people of Ekiti State.
Describing Aaye Ekiti ad “one of the most peaceful communities in Ekiti State,” Oba Idowu pledged the loyalty and support of his subjects to the Fayemi government.
Oba Idowu said, “We pray that our amiable Governor and his Deputy will see Aaye Ekiti as their home that needs support to move forward by providing the town with dependable infrastructures and social amenities.”
The Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adegboyega Morakinyo, admonished the new monarchs to embrace tolerance, humility and sincerity of purpose depicting royalty in discharging their duties.
He commended Governor Fayemi for his keen interest in ensuring that all vacant chieftaincy tools are filled promptly and in strict compliance with extant law to ensure peace and harmony throughout the length and breadth of the state.
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