By Ayodele Abere.
The traditional ruler of Ifaki-Ekiti in Isokan Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adegbenro John Falore, the Olufaki of Ifaki, Ajigbade iii, has called on the people of the State to be law abiding always.
Olufaki made the call in his palace while interacting with newsmen as he noted, “when we respect the law, we will obey the law”. He described the major problem of Nigerians as indiscipline.
Speaking on the significance of the Okorobo Festival which was celebrated on Saturday, 17th September, 2022 and the first of its kind since he ascended the throne of his forefathers. Oba Adegbenro, explained that the festival is simply a new yam festival which according to the monarch, is an annual programme usually scheduled for second week of September every year, where a unique masquerade called Okorobo, almost a half of the length of the telecommunication mast with a lot of attractive features would come out to entertain and pray for the people.
“It’s a time to pray and thank God for given us a bountiful harvest for the year. We will thank God Almighty and our ancestors for giving us a fertile land. During the festival, we merry by dining and wining together. While we equally use the occasion to pray for a better harvest the following year. It’s usually full of fun fair”. Kabiyesi explained.
The traditional ruler said the Okorobo festival will soon gain international recognition as he stated that they are trying to work with some international organisations for them to take it up. “We will project our culture to the outside world in a good manner because image is our identity and we will continue to do that”. Said Olufaki as he promised to have a more elaborate Okorobo festival by next year.
Also speaking on the popular adage that says “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”, Olufaki noted that there are some statements that you won’t know the interpretation until you are into it. He explained that his experience as a monarch has not been easy. “We battle with a lot of challenges, starting from poverty, crime rates and some other vices. But with the help of God, we keep going”.
While speaking on the security issue in which some traditional rulers have fallen victim of the kidnappers, Oba Falore maintained that it’s not that the traditional rulers are not living up to expectations especially at securing their communities. He went scriptural by making reference to Psalms 127:1 which says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that built it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain”.
In his word, “I want to believe that all we are experiencing these days are signs of the end time. The traditional rulers are trying their best. Like what we have in Ido/Osi, we constituted a team to work with Police and other security personnel especially when we were having the issue of kidnapping at Orin-Ekiti.
“I thank the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for playing a vital role of ensuring that we have a safe environment to live. Presently, Ekiti State is one of the States that have acquired drone and what we call SPZ which is an expensive device. It allows security agents to go after some criminals by getting their phone numbers tracked.
Highlighting the progress and development his reign has so far brought to the town in spite of the fact that there were some deficits he met when he came on board, the monarch remarked that the town was a bit polarised, divided for political and other personal reasons which the Kabiyesi said they were able to work on, Olufaki said the town is peaceful now as he emphasised that there is unity and coexistence within the town.
According to Oba John Falore, “When people are united, when you talk about development, it makes it easy. When I came on board, I remember the condition of the palace and with the help of the sons and daughters of Ifaki, we were able to renovate the palace and the renovation is still ongoing.
“Also, when we came on board, the State Government gave us five million naira to build a modern hall (civic centre) through the Ekiti State Community and Social Development Agency (EKCSDA).
By the grace of God, the building has got to the roofing stage. We are still expecting the second tranche of the money for us to complete the hall”.
Stressing further, “When Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi came on a courtesy visit, we discussed the issue of having bore holes in the entire community with him as he had done in some quarters of the town and that has been done. It’s a good one when people have access to potable water so that they won’t be looking around for water”. Olufaki added.
Still recounting, “It’s also when we got to the stool that we were given LCDA, that’s Isokan Local Council Development Area. And ever since, we have been making sure that we are able to compete favourably with other local governments. Of recent, we were given a number plate.
“Thanks to the Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for creating the LCDA and for making it viable by funding it to a reasonable extent. If you want to talk about the history of LCDA, it all started from Lagos. I was part of it in Osun State. They don’t have number plate till today. For us starting not too long and having it now, I think he has done well. So we say thank you to the Governor for giving us the opportunity”.
Oba Adegbero John Falore said that every son and daughter of Ifaki and other communities under the LCDA now have their marriages conducted at the registry of the Council without any need to go to Ido/Osi Local Government again.
