By Ayodele Abere
The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reassured the Royal Fathers in the State that his administration would continue to provide the necessary supports for the effective functioning of the traditional council, and promote policies that respect the customs and Values while encouraging development.
Governor Oyebanji stated this on Wednesday while inaugurating the new Chairman of Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, Agirilala 11, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, held at the Obas Chamber in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital.
Addressing the Royal Fathers, Oyebanji noted that the main Council is made up of 86 distinguished Royal Fathers, with 66 permanent members and 20 rotational members, carefully selected from communities across the State which he said would be Chaired by Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti for the next two years to help shape the course of cultural preservation and offer critical counsel on matters that directly affect the lives and well-being of our people.
“I urge all members to bring their collective wisdom and experience to bear in the discharge of their duties. As we look ahead, I wish to assure you that our administration remains deeply committed to supporting the traditional institution.
“Let me reaffirm our administration unwavering commitment to working closely with the Traditional Institutions for the progress of our State”. Oyebanji stated
Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the immediate past Chairman led by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, over the last two years, whose tenure officially ended on July 31st, 2025, Oyebanji noted that hedemonstrated rare wisdom, maturity, and unwavering commitment to the stability and progress of the State.
Commending the Royal Fathers in general, the governor said their steadfast belief in the mission of building a greater Ekiti has been the stronghold of his.administration. He appreciated them all for their efforts in maintaining peace in their various domains, fostering harmonious intercommunual relations, and serving as dependable partners in the governance of people.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adejimi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, explained that the appointment is significant to him.
In his word, “Firstly 35 years ago my predecessor HRM, Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye Akayejo II, Ogoga Ikere, a great king who reigned for 43 years and Four Months specifically in 1990 was appointed the Chairman of Ondo State Traditional Rullers Council when Ondo and Ekiti State were together as a single State.
“The Ogoga, Oba Adegboye was also one of the thirteen (13) most Senior and permanent members of Ondo – State (Ondo Ekiti) State Traditional Rulers Council. Today history is being repeated as the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has graciously remembered the Ogoga of Ikere for this prestigious position.
“Secondly, it is significant to me and my people that this appointment announced in July coincides with the celebration of my 10th year on the throne as the Ogoga of Ikere which also happened in the month of July. The Bible says God makes all things beautiful in His own time.
“I give all glory and praises to our Creator, the Almighty God for the grace and mercy which allow the event of today, the inauguration as the Chairman of Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council.
I also thank His Excellency, the governor of Ekiti State Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for considering me worthy to be so appointed. I do not take this honour from Your Excellency for granted and therefore with the grace of God Almighty and cooperation of all members of the Council as well as that of all the arms of the government, I will put in my best, God helping me”. The monarch pledged.
Earlier in his address, the Commisioner for Chieftancy and Home Affairs, Mr. Olaiya Atibioke, explained that the tenure of the former Chairman formally came to a close, having served diligently up to the 31st of July, 2025.
“We must extend our deepest appreciation to its members for their remarkable service. We are confident that the new Council comprising 86 distinguished Royal Fathers drawn from all, the sixteen Local government areas of the State and under the Chairmanship of HRM, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti would build upon the legacy of the past Council and continue to serve with dignity and purpose, ” said he.
