From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Following the recurrent cases of kidnappings, killings, deplorable roads and lack of other social amenities in Ekiti State, the Ologotun of Ogotun -Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adesanmi, has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to come up with measures to secure and develop the border towns across the state for safety and economic prosperity.
The monarch, who made the remarks in Ogotun Ekiti, on Saturday, during his coronation ceremony, where prominent individuals within and outside Ekiti State were conferred with chieftaincy titles, said the town has a lot of lofty and remarkable potentials in agriculture that can add values to the state if harnessed.
Among those conferred were: Senator Biodun Olujimi, A House of Representatives member, Hon Yemi Adaramodu, a veteran journalist, Mr. Femi Ige, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, an APC Chief, Demola Popoola, among others.
The prominent traditional ruler pleaded with Oyebanji to secure the town, which shares border with Ikeji and Owena in Osun State, to boost agriculture, where the town has a comparative advantage, to turn around the fortunes of his subjects.
Oba Adesanmi while speaking on his ascension to the throne that was devoid of rancour after the demise of the late Oba Samuel Oyebade,
said; “Let me thank the Ekiti State Government under Governor Kayode Fayemi and his Deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi for ratifying my selection as the 32nd Ologotun.
“I now call on Governor Oyebanji to beam the searchlight of security and development on my community. We share boundaries with Owena and Ikeji-Ile in Osun State. Unfortunately, the roads linking us with these communities are in terrible conditions. The road linking us to Ipole Iloro is impassable as we speak, likewise the one to Ikogosi.
“The road linking us to Ikeji Ile was last rehabilitated under the PTF days. It is in a bad shape now. The one to Owena is begging for attention. We have large expanse of lands and farm settlements along the corridor, but deplorable roads will not allow us harness the resources. Ogotun has 24 villages, farm settlements and camps.
“I want the government of Ekiti State to revisit these road projects and rehabilitate them to boost our contributions to production of more food and other cash crops produce for our state to attain food security status”.
Oba Adesanmi who assured he will neither betray the confidence reposed in him nor desecrate the sacred position, explained that Ogotun has a rich history in Yoruba land that needs to be protected and elevated, rather than being debased
“Ogotun is one of the prominent towns in Yoruba land. Apart from being among the 16 foremost traditional rulers in Ekiti called Pelupelu, Ologotun also holds an eminent position among Yoruba Obas.
“I refer us to the magisterial history of the Yorubas by Samuel Johnson, where Ologotun was listed as one of the prominent traditional rulers in Yoruba land. So, history is our guide. History is what you can’t change. We are going to maintain the position of Ologotun in the Local Government, in the State and Yoruba land”, he said.
Oba Adesanmi stated that his ancestor, Oba Ademeso Atewogboye 1, administered the town with civility, wisdom, charismatism and fear of God, promising to preserve these principles that have become the reason why his dynasty is being revered and taken as a pacesetter.