By Ayodele Abere
His Royal Majesty, Oba Victor Adeleke Bobade, Okeoro 11, the Onire of Ire-Ekiti has called on the State government to prioritise road construction in some parts of the town to enhance accessibility and accelerate socio-economic growth.
Addressing journalists at his palace on Thursday, In spite of his numerous achievements in the last two decades of his reign as the traditional ruler of Ire-Ekiti, the monarch identified poor road networks linking Ire-Ekiti to neighbouring towns as major challenges.
In his remarks, the royal father described his 20-year reign as a journey marked by sacrifice, faith, and perseverance. He revealed that he initially declined ascending the throne while residing in Europe, but later accepted the responsibility after persuasion from his mother and community elders.
Dr. Bobade who explained that his emergence faced with legal challenges that lasted seven and a half years, during which he attended 53 court sittings before the Supreme Court affirmed his position, said the victory strengthened his resolve to serve the community with dedication.
According to Oba Bobade, following the apex court judgment, the former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose falicilitated the formal presentation of his Staff of Office in December 2005, officially commencing his reign. Since then, the monarch whose vision for Ire-Ekiti is to witness unprecedented growth and development pointed out that the community has recorded growth in education, unity, and commercial activities, particularly with the influx of students from Federal University Oye-Ekiti to the town.
While speaking, the President of Ire Development Union, Engr. Ayodeji Abe, announced the completion of a newly reconstructed civic centre. He stated that the community executed the project through collective funding, professional supervision, and strong unity among residents at home and in the diaspora. Adding that the newly reconstructed civic centre valued at nearly ₦30 million.
Abe disclosed that he personally supervised the demolition and rebuilding of the structure after engineers condemned parts of it adding that the member representing Oye-Ekiti Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, supported the project with roofing assistance through a federal agency, while former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, donated ₦10 million.
He further revealed that sons and daughters of Ire-Ekiti raised over ₦15 million in support of the project, bringing total community investment in the civic centre to nearly ₦30 million. The IDU President attributed the success of the project to transparency, strict supervision, and shared commitment.
Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Retired Colonel Adedotun Adeyeye, commended journalists for their consistent support and described the media as vital partners in community development. Stakeholders at the press conference also praised the monarch’s inclusive leadership style and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining peace and unity beyond the 20th anniversary celebration.
Expected at the occasion slated for Friday, 27th February, 2026, are His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, advocate of Independent Yoruba Nation, Chief Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho and many other eminent Nigerians as the monarch sets to honour about thirty-one individuals who have in no small measure contributed to the development of Ire-Ekiti.
