By Ayodele Abere
The Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom in Ekiti West Local Government of Ekiti State. Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, has appealed to sons and daughters of the community not to allow discord to destroy the legacy of their ancestors or the prospects of their children.
The appeal was contained in a statement personally signed by himself and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Atayero who stated that the recent unfortunate passing of Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, the occupier of the palace is a solemn moment that ought to bind the indigenes of the ancient town together in grief and reflection, noted that disagreements about rites and succession have unsettled their peace and left the town divided.
The statement reads. “My dear people of Aramoko-Ekiti, we are a proud, historical town with a rich heritage. Our fathers built a name that stands tall in Ekiti State, in Yoruba land and in Nigeria.
“It pains me deeply that at a time when many communities in our state are forging ahead in unity and progress, we in Aramoko are being distracted by crisis over traditional matters.
“Around us, towns like Ado Ekiti, Ilawe, Ijero, and Iyin are attracting investments, hosting higher institutions and creating opportunities for their youth.
“Meanwhile, our own roads remain impassable, our young people wander without jobs, and life here grows harder by the day. This cannot continue. Development will not come where there is no peace. Investors and government projects will only come to a town united, stable, and forward-looking”
He therefore called on all stakeholders- chiefs, elders, youths, women, and the political class to embrace dialogue, patience, and the spirit of compromise.
“Let us quickly resolve the outstanding issues around our traditional institution with fairness and transparency, so we may focus our collective energy on the urgent task of rebuilding Aramoko.
“Our town is yeaning. We can’t wait no more for progress. The future of Aramoko is bigger than any individual interest. Let us choose peace today, for only in peace will development take root.
“May Aramoko rise again in unity and prosperity”. The statement read.
