Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday enthroned the new Onirele of Irele Ekiti, 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 Monisade Afuye, said these yesterday 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.”
The governor 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 State 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 the governor wants is love, accelerated development, and unity in all the sections of our dear state,” he stated.
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.
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.
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