The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has admonished the new Obalaaye of Ejiyan Ekiti in Ijero Local Government, Oba Adekunle Adesesan Adepoju, to see his ascension to the throne as a divine call to service.
Dr. Fayemi, who made the call while presenting the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the new Oba urged his subjects to live in peace with the neighbouring communities of Ipoti Ekiti and Owatedo Ekiti.
Represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the Governor said the new status of the monarch calls for wisdom, sacrifice, commitment, tolerance and perseverance.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the Obalaaye throne became vacant following the demise of the last occupant, Oba Nathaniel Osayomi Kupolokun on the 15th of September, 2019.
The new royal father was elected by the town’s kingmakers on the 12th of October, 2020 in line with the provisions of the State Chiefs Law 2012 paving the way for the presentation of staff of office and instrument of appointment.
Oba Adepoju who was joined by his wife, Olori Omolayo Foluke, to receive the symbol of authority described his new position as a huge responsibility to develop the town and move it forward economically, socially and in attracting more projects.
The brief ceremony held at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in line with COVID-19 regulations was witnessed by the Chairman, Ijero Local Government, Hon. Ropo Ige; the Owa Ajero of Ijero and Chairman of the Local Government Traditional Council, Oba Adebayo Adewole; the Oloja Owa of Owatedo Ekiti, Oba David Olofinlade and some Ejiyan Ekiti chiefs.
The Governor enjoined Oba Adepoju to exercise the new power conferred on him with restraint and fear of God counselling him to tread the path of humility by seeking the advice of all and respect the views of the majority while taking decisions.
While noting that meaningful development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, Dr. Fayemi called on the people of Ejiyan Ekiti to support and join hands with their new royal father to move the community forward.
The Governor who said the enthronement of the monarch officially confirmed him as the custodian of the culture and tradition of the town urged him to protect his people’s cultural heritage.
Dr. Fayemi further used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of his administration to the welfare of the people saying the support of the people was crucial to achieving the government’s lofty plans in building a state to be proud of.
He said: “Let me reassure you that the wind of development blowing across the length and breadth of the state will not elude Ejiyan Community in any form. As a government, we will always provide the necessary amenities within our limited resources to enhance the needed development of our State.
“We shall continually and assiduously pursue the promises we made to the good people of Ekiti that there will be an improvement in their welfare. We assure Ekiti Kete that our little resources will always be judiciously expended to pursue the goals of making the state pride of all.”
The Ijero Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ige commended the kingmakers and the entire people of Ejiyan for conducting a peaceful and transparent selection process “that would have taken a long time to fill the hitherto vacant stool.”
The council boss commended the neutral position of the state government and for allowing the will of the people to prevail, noting that the latest selection process marked the third one since the inception of his administration in January 2020.
The Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adegboyega Morakinyo, hailed the Governor for his keen interest in ensuring that vacant traditional stools are filled promptly in compliance with the Chiefs Law to ensure the smooth running of the towns.
He disclosed that the selection process was keenly monitored by the agency under the extant rules and in line with the tradition of the people of Ejiyan.
Responding after receiving the staff of office, Oba Adepoju, promised not to disappoint his subject assuring that he would justify the confidence reposed in him which made his ascension to the throne possible.
The Obalaaye expressed gratitude to the Fayemi administration for the cooperation enjoyed during and after his selection and his subsequent installation as monarch.
Oba Adepoju stressed that he would be willing and ready to make sacrifices as a monarch expressing his commitment to extend his hand of fellowship to brother monarchs in Ijero council area to promote peaceful coexistence and pursue development for the people.
He said: “The autonomies granted Ejiyan Ekiti and Owatedo Ekiti (from Ipoti Ekiti) to attain independence and become separate entities, rather than create unwarranted acrimony, confusion and unprovoked strife, should, in my own view, be harnessed to promote peace, strengthen our togetherness and development.
“In this connection, I call on our sister communities of Owatedo and Ipoti to eschew unnecessary bickering borne out of sheer intolerance, greed, bellyaching and come together in the spirit of oneness and mutual solidarity for the growth, progress and development of our communities.”
