From Priscilla Ediare, Ado Ekiti
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday said his administration had enthroned 26 traditional rulers since he came on board in 2018.
The governor, who noted that no kingmaker was able to compromise the processes leading to the installations of the Obas, stated in confidence that they were done without manipulations and political colourations.
Governor Fayemi, who will be leaving office on October 15, said he made sure the processes were not smeared to ensure unity and development in all the towns.
The outgoing governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, made this known in Ijan Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government Area of the state, during the presentation of staff of office to the new Onijan, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, from Afayagbekun Ruling House.
The stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Samuel Oyewole Fadahunsi, from Otutubiosun royal dynasty on September 16, 2021, after reigning for 19 years.
Fayemi, while addressing the Ijan indigenes, said he warned against any form of manipulation during the process culminating in the selection of Oba Aladesuyi, and that he said was maintained throughout the process to prevent obaship crisis and the attendant inter-communal feud.
The governor commended the late Oba Fadahunsi for bringing development to the town under his moderately long reign, urging the new monarch to build on that legacy.
He said; “I am happy that the process leading to the selection of the new Onijan was devoid of political colouration. It was a peaceful process that will bring unity. I want Kabiyesi to work harmoniously with all his subjects. You are now the chief servants to all of them. There is a need for relative peace for the social and economic development of our state.
“You must ensure that you make your subjects learn how to resolve their differences amicably. I also want you to live peacefully with the neighbouring towns in the interest of our state. You must carry your people along while taking critical decisions. You should rise up to the new leadership bestowed on you as the father of all,” he said.
“This event of today marks the 26th Oba that will be enthroned since we came on board in 2018 and all these are to the credit of Governor Kayode Fayemi. We made sure that their selection processes were free, fair and devoid of political colourations.
“We are happy that unity has been restored in Ijan Ekiti. Let me praise the Kingmakers for not compromising the process, in fact, they did well. I want you all to support the present Oba. He is like God sent.”
In his acceptance speech, the elated Oba Aladesuyi appealed to other contestants to join him in building a virile and developed Ijan Ekiti that will be a pride of all.
The monarch said: “There must be love amongst us. We must allow peace to reign. I will try to accommodate all the shades of opinions in the task of making Ijan a unique town. We are unique in terms of education, social activities, tradition and culture.
“We have sons and daughters in every sector as Professors and as seasoned administrators and we know that we can do a lot more for our town.
“Let me thank the High Chiefs and other Senior Chiefs for ensuring that the process was done expeditiously and for holding forth when the late Oba Fadahunsi was not on the throne. I will make myself available to all subjects so that we can work together.”
The monarch commended Fayemi for instituting landmark projects like the Knowledge zone, Ijan-Igbemo-Ilupeju road, and for the siting of an airport on Ado-Ijan road, while also applauding Fayemi for promoting Onijan to a lofty grade A level.
“But let me express our protest over the perpetual power outage in this community. It is fast running to about a decade that we had electricity last and your prompt action can change things for the better for speedy economic and social recovery.”
The Chairman, Gbonyin Local Government, Dare Ajayi and the Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Gboyega Morakinyo stated that the installation was stringently done in line with the Ekiti State Chieftaincy law and Ijan Ekiti chieftaincy declaration.